August 17 1979

This week was our 31st anniversary. I made the annual Italian Creme cake for Sunday dinner - the same flavor as our reception cake. I make it once a year for our anniversary and it STILL brings back memories.

The night before the 17th, I knelt down to say my prayers and found myself drifting off back in time trying harder than usual to imagine myself as that young bride, saying her prayers the night before our wedding. Tomorrow would be the day! I tried to imagine what I must have been feeling, there on my knees. Gratitude. The Temple. My new husband. Our courtship. Our new life together. My family. All the loved ones gathered for our day. The fun plans for our reception . . .I'm sure that prayer was really sweet. It made me want to try harder and more often to remember those feelings. I even thought of my bed and my room!

Throughout the years a special memory has replayed in my mind many times. Randy and I were newly engaged - So excited, and yet taking this big leap of faith together. We were driving west on the "60" in Randy's little blue Chevy Astra with the bucket seats. Our smiles were as big as the metal grill across the front fender. We had just left Gilbert and were headed for the Institute or something. A strong impression came over me (right on that freeway!) that spoke to my heart. It said, "You are going to make it!" It was such a feeling of peace and joy that I will not and can not forget it. I have played it back in my head thousands of times. It's on instant replay and I have even felt it when I've least expected it. That's why I remember just where we were when it came.

So, it's been a blessing - that recording. It has been such a comfort to me. I'm so thankful for the little voice I heard that day that has validated my" marriage ticket" all these years.

Life has brought us many blessings. Four beautiful children who have each taken that same leap of faith with a loving and eternal spouse. Sweet, young love. If I had a wish for them, it would be to try harder than usual to recall that sweet courtship and the feelings that they had then. The ones that spoke to their hearts and helped them know that "we are going to make it" together. Being specific with those memories will help validate their "marriage ticket" and will last them for eternity.