In our home in Provo, we have a
small hallway leading to our bedroom. Over the years we have used those walls
as our walls of fame. The east wall
is filled with family pictures, some of past generations, some of not so past
family pictures and always a current family picture, rather large, as the
center piece. Sister Dalton and I cherish those pictures on that wall; it is
our favorite part of our entire home. We have walled by those pictures for
years and occasionally we will add or adjust the positions of those family
generation images. When preparing to leave for our mission, the east hallway
wall, were the last items we moved to storage. When we returned for a brief
time, we did not rehang those beloved pictures for we knew we would be there
for a very short 6 weeks. We shared our feelings between us, that we were occupying
our own home, yet we did not feel at home.
We spoke of the absence of so many pictures that brought floods of memories that
came to our hearts and to all that entered our home; from our own parents to
the youngest of our grandchildren. That simple wall has brought hours of
stories and tender experiences passed down through words and a physical photo
of those long gone before our eyes. Pictures have a way of capturing the real
family struggles, successes, happiness and sadness’s as we labor together towards
unity and perfection.
I carried with Sister Dalton and me
two precious pictures from that wall of family prominence; our wedding picture
and our most current family portrait. The wedding picture was the first to be
placed on my nightstand next to our bed, and the family picture hangs next to
the opening of our great room. Few people have seen the wedding picture while
we have lived here, yet I have gazed upon that picture each night before
retiring, and thought of the divine blessing I have experienced that day along
her side. The family picture has been appreciated by General Authorities, Area
Seventy’s, Mission Presidents, District Presidencies, and the simplest disciples
of the Abomosu District. All have related to this most prized picture on our
wall. It was the second picture I put on the wall after a favorite picture of
the Savior surrounded by perfect loving children. When we left this home to fly
home last May, our family picture was the last picture I took down from our
walls and found a space in our luggage where it would be secured. At customs in
New York airport, our suitcases were opened and examined, twice, and each time
our family picture was in full view to the agent. Both agents commented as they
gently placed the framed picture back into the suitcase, “O what a nice family.
I’ll bet you love them dearly.” We would respond with a firm “yes” and Sister
Dalton would then express to them that they were waiting on the other end of
our flight to greet us.
I am humbled with the importance of
family. It is universal for all mankind upon the world. The feelings of
belonging to something grander than ourselves, and the need to share with those
that are dear to us, is a bonding link we came to earth feeling. I’m sure
Heavenly Father feels those feeling towards each of his spirit children and his
earthly children that will one day return to His loving arms. It is my solemn
desire to return with honor with every member of our family; all members of our
family no matter what sphere they live. Just a simple picture can stir our
lives and weave life experiences into a family tapestry that will last forever.
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