Temple moments: Close cousins
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My wife, Reesa, and I have always loved going to the temple together. In 1973, we made a commitment to go a little more frequently. Because of that attendance, we have been blessed with love for the temple, a better understanding of vicarious service, and an increased love for our family, past, present and future.
An example of this came on Feb. 27, 1973. On that day, we considered, maybe with an inherited love for a short drive, going to the Provo Utah Temple instead of the Salt Lake Temple. Several colleagues learned we were going and one, named Gary, said he might meet us there around 5:40 p.m.
"See you there," we said.
We left our home in Holladay, a suburb of Salt Lake City, in a snowstorm and wondered about going to Provo. But we remembered Gary. On the way, through the most difficult part, the "Point of the Mountain," it was slick but our station wagon seemed to travel through the snow and pass stalled vehicles without too much trouble. It was doubtful we would make the 5:40 p.m. session, but somehow we did.
At the temple, my wife had a curious look on her face, urging me to hurry. She whispered: "If you hurry you'll be able to sit next to Gary."
I thought she was talking about my colleague, but as I walked into the room, I looked over and saw another Gary — my cousin, Gary Anderson. He was seated with head lowered as if in prayer. I sat next to him and put my hand on his arm to let him know I was there. His eyes filled with tears and he held out his card: it was for his father, Cletus Anderson, who had died in 1970.
Gary and I have always been close cousins. He had attempted to call me but had been unable to get through. He had made the effort so he wouldn't have to be alone in the temple that special day.
After the session, we joined him for dinner and talked about the miraculous way we had been led there to be with him on such an important day. It is a testimony to our family of the importance of family relationships and prayer and listening to the Spirit. — Phillip L. Boren, Highland 6th Ward, Salt Lake Highland West Stake
