For Time and all Eternity

Dear Gabriella,

One of the greatest parts of having your adoption finalized is that we were able to take you to the San Diego Temple and have you sealed to your dad and me for time and all eternity.  Many people came to share your special day with you. 

Of course your Grammy and Pa were there.

I just love this picture of you and your Pa.

And your Nana and Papa wouldn't miss it either.

Your Aunt Marianne and Uncle Jake came too.

The Adams flew all the way from Indiana just for your sealing.

Your Auntie Jani was already in San Diego, but she would have flown in to see it anyway.

Your Nana Griffiths and Pa Bartholomew made a special trip from Utah so that they could be present.

The sealing took place on Saturday, October 8th, 2011.  The whole experience was so spiritual and uplifting.  We entered the temple and had you and Charlie stay in the children's waiting room while your dad and I went upstairs to change into our white temple clothes.  Just before it was time for you to join us, the temple workers changed you and Charlie into all whites too. 

We were able to reserve the same sealing room that your father and I were married in eleven years prior.  The room was filled with friends and family who were there to share our special day with us.  Some of those not featured in the pictures were the Ellsworths and the Kinseys who drove all the way from Yuma to be there.  We asked your Nana Griffiths to be the one to hold your hand over our hands during the ordinance.  You usually go to strangers so well, but for some reason it took you a while to warm up to your Nana Griffiths.  Because you had just met her the night before, you cried the entire time, but I didn't care at all.  I was crying too, except mine were tears of joy.  I couldn't stop smiling, and you even helped me to laugh a little, partly because I was so happy and partly because you were so mad that this stranger was pinning your hand down onto ours.  (It was rather amusing.)  I still remember the feeling I had when the sealer said that you were entitled to all of the blessings just as if I had given birth to you.  It was as though a weight had been lifted from me.  No matter what happens, you will always be my baby. 

I have a testimony that families can live together forever.  You give me another reason to live my life righteously so that I can live with you and my family in the eternities.  I love you my beautiful daughter, and I will love you forever. 

Sincerely,
Mom