Faith in Every Footstep

I became active in the church about seven years ago. I attended meetings as a child with neighbors and friends, and was baptized per my Grandmother Westerberg's request (or should I say persistence?) After my parents divorce I no longer was involved with church or anything associated with it. I soon forgot it's teachings and struggled through those awful teenage years on my own and finally felt I had found myself in my early twenties. After marrying Pat and having two beautiful babies, I was content, but... I knew my life was missing something.

As if right on cue, Pat and I became close friends with two of our neighbors and their families. The Martinez family and the Walker's are still our very dear friends. Angie and Susan were there for me when I felt I had no one. They were my first "adult" friends. Pat slowly came out of his shell around Randy and Kelly. There was something different about these two families. They brought us dinner, cookies, candy-grams, salsa, and more salsa, offered to babysit... Were they for real??

Angie and Kelly moved back to their home in Utah after only a year and our hearts were broken. We had shared many memories, happy and sad. During this time, Susan I became very close. Angie and Susan had invited me to church or to activities a few times, but I was always hesitant to go. I had dreams of Angie standing in the parking lot of the church waving for me to come in, but I always drove by.

Angie gave birth to a baby girl named Faith shortly after they moved. This sweet angel lived for only an inkling of time. About a year later, Susan lost a precious baby girl of her own, Saige, before she was born. At this point, I seriously started considering the hereafter and what I wanted for myself and my family. Susan was asked to speak in church and I went to hear her tell of her little baby and her great love for the Saviour. I have been attending church ever since that beautiful Sunday. It felt like coming home. I have always felt that Angie opened the door to the Gospel for me and Susan held my hand as I walked through.

Now, I had found what I was looking for, but my hubby was very happy without religion, thank you very much. He always supported me and stood by my side when Randy baptized both Maddy and Katie and blessed our Isabella. I always felt that I was very lucky to have such an understanding and patient husband, but I really didn't dare wish for more.
I should have had more faith in the Lord's timing.
After much thought, searching, studying and prayer, Pat made the decision to be baptized. I had wanted this for so long I didn't even know how to react when he told me. Late one Sunday night, Pat called Kelly to ask him to baptize him a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
This is a picture of Kelly and Pat and the old "Families are Forever" video that has been a long standing joke between them.

I think only Susan can truly comprehend my feelings of that day, and what I loved most was that I didn't have to say a word.

We had a billion kids running around our house, but for the life of me I couldn't get them to hold still for a picture. I didn't even manage to get a family picture!

L-R: Maddy, Alyssa, Lydia, Sarah and Bella

The girls are together again. I really cannot put into words my love for these two women. They are beacons of light and love not only for myself, but for my whole family.

Angie, I love you for your strong sense of self, for your firm testimony and unfailing love for your family - and, of course for always making me laugh. Plus you are a fantastic cook.

Susan, I love you for your quiet assurance, patience and understanding. And for loving my babies like your own. And for loving me.

To my dear husband. I have always said that I would love you no matter what you were, and that is still true. I admire how you always stay true to your word, your family and yourself. I know you did not make this choice to make me or our girls happy. I know you. I love you.

But can we admit I was right?

Anything for a kiss...

Randy and Susan Walker.

Randy has a way of grabbing the children and making them do what ever he wants, just watch out in church, he might grab you by the leg and drag you to the foyer. (True story)

I am excited for Isabella, for when she is baptized, it will be by her dad.

Kelly, Pat and Randy. Kelly baptized Pat and Randy confirmed him the next day in church.

It doesn't take just one missionary to get Pat to the water, but four and more...

Pat and his buddy, Elder "D". Our family was all wearing Hawaiian necklaces handmade by Elder"D" to celebrate the occasion.

After the baptism we went with a "few" of our friends to Louis for dinner. We had a great time.

Even the Elders were able to join us.

Randy and Cyrina

Kelly and Baby T.

Is that my husband making a Thank You speech???

A sweet treat from Chris Nelson, who couldn't make it to dinner.

Angie and Kelly, we love you. Thank you for all you have done for us. None of it has gone unnoticed or will be forgotten.

This picture brings tears to my eyes because of the love that is tangible between us.

Friends like these do not come along every day.

When Pat was confirmed in Sacrament Meeting, seventeen Priesthood holders were in the circle. That is when it hit me. My emotions could no longer be contained. My husband and I and our babies were headed to the Temple to be sealed for time and all eternity.

There are many blessings in my life, but this must be the greatest.