Mercy me

Many of you probably already know this story, thanks to the convenience and ease of posting news worthy tid bits of info on that little menace of an invention we like to call "the Facebook", or from my recent updating of Sister Rin's blog, or coupled with the fact that this very incident was the focus of me bearing (and bawling my eyes out--I'm such a cliche :)) my testimony in church about it on Sunday, but I want to record the awesomeness of the whole experience so that I may never forget it.

Last Tuesday morning (November 1, 2011), 5:30am came especially early, it seemed, and after having somewhat of a restless night, I did not wake up my usual chipper self. I worried myself awake several times about going to the Provo temple on Tuesday, Corinne's P-day, and whether it was ok or not. She didn't know I was coming, but I did, and I wanted it to be alright with the Lord. And, as a result of this worry, I totally stressed the whole time I was at the temple (what a waste! something to change for sure), and although the Spirit was a calming influence as always, I was distracted by feelings of guilt and inadequacy while completing the ordinance. I must say that I love going to the temple with my mom. She picks me up at home, drives all the way from Springville, and we get to chat and enjoy each other's company one-on-one for a few precious hours. My mom is definitely one of my heroes, and I cherish getting to spend alone time with her. She makes me feel so loved and special. Anyway, we dressed and went out to add some names to the prayer roll, as we usually do, and then walked toward the temple entrance/exit. I was looking down for some reason, and when I looked up I saw a woman at the recommend desk, and the woman saw me and said "Mom!" It was my Corinne!! I could not believe it. She came to me and we gave each other a good long hug and I asked her "How are you?!" And she answered, "I am good, but I am not supposed to talk to you right now." So I said "Ok" and she went to hug my mom, while I spoke for a moment with the other sisters she was with. Unfortunately, her current companion, Sister Dub ("W" from Washburn), wasn't with her that morning, but I had fun meeting the other sisters and painfully regret not hugging each of them as their mothers surely would have LOVED to do! Drat! Hurry, go hug some missionaries, of your same gender and if it doesn't break any mission rules of course, right now! I got to spend several minutes staring and smiling at my beautiful daughter from a close distance, and I left the temple feeling like I was on cloud nine. My mom told me on the way to the car that she had prayed before picking me up, and she had asked Heavenly Father that we might see Corinne if it was right. My mom rocks! I hope you enjoy this experience as much as I have, and that it helps you appreciate the tender mercies and blessings that God showers down upon his children every single day of their lives.