We left Saturday, March 9,2019 and are now on the plane coming home on my birthday on the 17th. I am sitting on the plane reflecting on the myriad of memories that we created through our experiences with historical tours, the Rome Italy temple dedication, and time together with our daughters, their spouses, and Jayton.
It started when Jayton was diagnosed with a melanoma on his neck when he was 15, about 4-5 years ago. He underwent two radical neck surgeries to remove skin and lymph nodes, then 6 months of immunotherapy. He did full body scans for a couple of years and was cleared to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Shortly after graduation he was called and assigned to the Idaho Nampa Mission.
He had been nominated for a Make-A-Wish by one of his health caretakers during his treatment process. We had no idea how it worked and didn’t feel our circumstances were so dire as to be recipients of the foundation and its benefactors. We learned that doesn’t have anything to do with determining who receives a wish granted. His prognosis was more positive than negative and we were happy with that blessing. Every cancer diagnosis has its uncertainties and we went through ours for sure.
We happily met with the foundation representatives to learn about it. As we discussed the myriad of opportunities that were available, Jayton decided to do a family trip and chose Rome to add a spiritual dimension to our travel. The Rome temple was under construction and we thought it might be done before he left so we could possibly attend the open house. We had no idea what opportunities would be ours.
There were many unforeseen construction delays and the timeline of the Temple’s completion was uncertain. We didn’t worry too much about it as we were now not really focused on the opportunity and went on with life and his mission call.
Make-A-wish, however, did not lose track of us and the conversation was revived when he got home. He did his final body scans and was clear of any evident cancer. Being back in school also limited the times we could go and we honed in on spring break.
With that, we announced plans to other siblings. Most immediately expressed interest and we started talking and planning. There were many logistical obstacles as there are lots of little kids and busy lives. We knew at this time the temple was done and the open house would be winding up. We thought we might actually get to go through it. As we learned the open house schedule we saw that we would miss it and the dedication would be taking place and then it would be closed the rest of the week prior to opening. We would miss an opportunity to go inside.
Some disappointment settled in as it would be quite difficult to get to a dedication service. Even so, we could still visit the grounds and visitors center. We still held out some hope to attend the dedication but most avenues to church connections did not open up to our request for dedication recommends.
Somehow the MaW workers mentioned our situation to the former head of Arizona MaW. It turns out he used to be neighbors with the new construction manager of the Rome Temple. The construction problems had led to the assignment of this Brother (church member) from Mesa to be over the Rome temple construction going forward a few years ago.
A connection was made and the situation was explained and a week before we were to leave the necessary recommends were provided for all thirteen of us that were making the trip. We would be inside the temple for the dedication. We did get a visit in the sealing room we were in and a greeting from Elders Oaks and Eyring. We certainly did not have any idea of the significance this temple dedication would have with all members of the presiding councils of the church being there.
There are so many aspects to this trip that blessed us with the best of all possible outcomes except that two of our kids couldn’t come. We are not sure why it turned out like it did. We didn't expect any miracles for such a family trip. We had asked and prayed for such an experience realizing that our petition was not an emergency by any stretch and left it at that.
Nevertheless, we understand that miracles are to confirm faith not to create it. The Savior’s first miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding feast didn’t heal anyone that we are aware of, but it demonstrated to some that a divine power was at work even in the Son of God. One that is aware of our every need whether in times of trial or joy. We have felt it in both instances during this experience in our family.
