Palmyra Temple dedication

The dedication of the Gila Valley Temple last Sunday reminds me of an experience I had with Gregg when the Palmyra Temple was dedicated.

It was on a school day morning and we had to be there by 6:00 AM. (Randy was on the orchestra tour with Carianne and Jeff. Julianne must have been at NAU.) Anyway, we had to get up early to be at the church by 6. I didn't know what to expect from Gregg. 5:00 was a little early for a middle schooler. But he got up willingly and quickly dressed in his Sunday attire. We gathered our handkerchiefs and special recommends and were off. There was a small line at the door, but it was peaceful and quiet - a great start to any day. We were able to sneak into the chapel and find a seat right against the aisle. We listened to the beautiful music and were safe there. I was proud of him for his obedience and faith. He seemed to know how special this experience was going to be. That's what I remember the most - that it was so peaceful and that I was with Gregg.

The dedication took place and ended all too soon. It took a minute to adjust to reality when it was over. I suddenly remembered it was a school day and I knew he would be a little worried if we didn't hurry along. So, the minute the lights went on, I looked at the clock - it was 7:30. Being on the aisle, we were able to slide out and head to the car. Burger King was on the way, so we swung in the drive through for breakfast. (I knew that would take his mind off being late for school.) We drove home, he changed his clothes and we were on our way back to school. I watched him as he walked the long hallway and into the office door. The day was almost normal.

I picked him up at the same spot at 2:30. He jumped in the car and the first thing he said was, "Mom, they put me in ISS" (In School Suspension). I was surprised, but he went on to remind me that it was a test day. I recalled then, a note from the school, encouraging parents to make sure their children did not miss school on "these" certain days. "Oh, dear", I thought.
Gregg kept talking, "But I wasn't the only one they put in ISS". He went on to name a hand full of his other friends from Primary and scouts that were also in the room when he got there. He said, "Every time the door opened, it was another "friend", and finally the secretary was so mad that when there were no more chairs, she would say," "If there aren't any chairs, then just sit on the floor!" "

I knew every child he named. I also knew all of their parents. These were members of our Stake, who with priorities like mine, had chosen to miss the beginning of a school test day for something so much more important. I was so thankful to have their examples, and to know that we were raising our children alike, together.

I had to laugh out loud when I thought of the poor little secretary, going back and forth with child after child in frustration as she filled the room (to standing only) with "disobedient" kids. She had no idea that these were the cream of the crop. It tickled me as I ask, "Gregg, doesn't it feel so good to be "so bad" "?

It also makes me humble to think of that little punishment room, usually filled with darkness. But on that day, it became filled with brightness and purity, because of what those children had just witnessed. I imagined their sweet faces, knowing they had done no wrong, yet with support from each other, they could feel safe. They were clean and good.

Can you have a "temple" in an ISS room? I think so. I'm pretty sure heaven surrounded them there that day.