Ethan and Chani get sealed

More pictures will be forthcoming, but here is one to start this off...

Date: August 16, 2019
Where: Mount Timpanogos Temple
Time: 1:00
People in the sealing room: From Ethan's side - Nichole and I, Deborah, David and Carolyn, Deanna, Darin and Sunny, Don and Jill, Cody, Elena, Ellie, Dean and Alisa, Mom and Dad Merrill, Chelsea and Carter, Connor and his mom Tonna.  From Chani's side that I knew - John and Tammy, Grandma and Grandpa, a cousin and husband

I was Ethan's escort going through. I wanted to write down a few of my memories of what the sealer said during the sealing ceremony.  The sealer, Br. Garrett said, "when we are in the temple, we talk of things that only occur in the temple.  Things that occur outside have no place within these walls.  We should talk of temple things.  On that note, I would like to have the couple reflect on the 5 covenants they have entered into.  These 5 are to live the law of the gospel and keep the commandments, live the law of sacrifice and be willing to give all you have to God including your time and talents, live the law of chastity to cleave unto one another only.  He really emphasized this law. He touched on the "thou shall" and "thou shalt not" laws of the gospel.  "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart and cleave unto her and none else".  In scripture, we are taught to only cleave unto one other person other than God.  That raises how incredibly special this companion is.  The sealer then went through the ceremony sealing the two together while they knelt at the altar.  They both looked into each other's eyes during the whole ceremony.  I could see the love and excitement they had for each other.  They gave each other a kiss over the altar.  It was a special moment.  When embracing Ethan to congratulate them, I got all choked up and couldn't tell him everything I wanted to tell him. I wanted to tell him that I loved him and Chani, that I was so proud of him, that I am so happy he is such a wonderful example for his siblings, to enjoy and cherish the moment.  The only thing I could muster out of my mouth was "I love you, son".

Grandma and Grandpa Ralph could not attend.  The last couple weeks, Grandma has been on a heart monitor.  She has not been feeling too well at all.  The doctors concluded that she needed a pacemaker and the surgery ended up being at the exact same time as the wedding ceremony.  Ethan and Chani were so sweet to go visit them two nights before the wedding.  Grandma and Grandpa were sad not to be able to attend.

We had a lunch afterwards together with family and close friends at the pavilion just north of the temple.  We had Mo'Bettah's cater the lunch.  We had barbecue chicken and pork, with rice and  macaroni salad, cold/crisp watermelon and a bunch of desserts like cookies and brownies.  While at the luncheon, we were getting updates from Dad about Mom's condition.  At one moment, just before food was served to everyone, us 7 siblings got together to say a prayer in their behalf which was offered by David.  It was a tender moment.  I think all of us got a little emotional and definitely touched by the moment

At night, starting from 7 and going until midnight, we had a reception at the American Fork Amphitheater which is just west of the temple.  The place was beautiful.  I got to visit a little bit with John and Tammy a little bit more.  They are wonderful people and very down to earth.  They are wonderful parents to Chani.  I also met Chani's other sister, Soshka, whom I had not met yet.  Her other sisters and brother were there.  I am so happy for Ethan to have gained another family into his life and for our family gaining another daughter and sister.