Prologue
Mesa Temple

In August I had planned to visit the Snowflake, Arizona temple. I was really excited about this one because it’s the only temple in Arizona I haven’t been to – like, I’ve never even been on the grounds. I’ve never been anywhere near Snowflake in my entire life. For all the other temples I’ve been at least to the open houses or the grounds.

Those plans were put on hold, though. On August 5th my Uncle Chad collapsed from cardiac arrest. For the next two weeks he laid in a bed in the ICU. Every weekend I made the 45 minute trip to Scottsdale in order to be with him and my family.

The original plan was to go to Snowflake on August 19th. My uncle passed away on August 20th.

Despite the brief pause I had to put on the Arizona Temple Tour, being with Uncle Chad the weekend he passed was an extremely special, sacred experience for me. I feel that, in a way that’s hard for me to express, it was an important part of this tour.

During those two weeks Uncle Chad was in the ICU – and most especially during his last weekend on earth – my testimony of family was strengthened. My Auntie K flew out from Colorado and stayed in Arizona for a good long while to be with Chad at the hospital and to help start setting his personal affairs in order. My parents flew out to Arizona twice to be with him and worked as hard as they could when they weren’t in the state to help out.

I hope I never forget seeing my dad look at his little brother with such tender love. I never want to forget the way Auntie K loving held Chad’s hand. I don’t want to forget seeing Auntie K and Dad hug each other multiple times, leaning on each other for comfort and support.

Uncle Chad’s stay in the hospital was a stressful time for so many reasons. Emotions were running high. There were so many tears shed and feelings of frustration and strain as we waited to see how well his body would heal, if at all. We were all exhausted and weighed down by the pain that comes from knowing you’re going to lose someone.

But during those two weeks, especially when we were all together at the hospital, I felt our family bond. It was palpable, like a blanket that enveloped all of us tightly together. It was comforting to feel that support. It felt like all the empty spaces were filled with warmth and love.

Growing up, I never had a super close bond with my father’s side of the family. His dad – my grandpa – passed away while I was serving my mission and I didn’t have a chance to attend his memorial service. I felt like I missed out on a lot of family time. Being with Uncle Chad the last few weeks of life helped me feel like I gained a little bit of that back. My love for my father’s side of the family grew so much.

Six days after Uncle chad passed I finally had the opportunity to pick back up with my temple worship. It was the first time in about a month and a half that I’d had the opportunity to go to the temple. The feelings of peace, serenity, and comfort filled up every inch of my body as soon as I stepped onto that holy ground. My sadness over losing Uncle Chad and the burden of my depression were lifted while I was in the temple.

How extremely thankful I am to know that death is not the end. How grateful I am to know that families can be together forever. Because of this holy house of my God, I find strength and hope.