It has been a long time since I have been so happy as I am in this photo. The wait that was ended for Libby and the weight that was lifted for me was exhilarating. As I sat just off the Celestial Room in the temple and thought about how long it took me to get there, I kept thinking about the dream Joseph F Smith had on his mission. President Hinckley retold it in April priesthood session last year. When Joseph arrived at his destination he was reproved with "Joseph, you are late," to which he responded, Yes, but I am clean - I am clean!" I am so grateful that the atonement of Jesus Christ allows me to arrive late, but clean. I would rather start late and go long than start early and fall short. Before this, that would have sounded like an excuse, but now, I hope it sounds like a resolution. When I stepped out those temple doors, I whooped loudly and claimed my prize. No power in the universe can take my prize from me now. She is mine as long as I am true to her and He who gave her to me. I was thinking just yesterday that I knew I wanted her before I ever saw her, and now I have claimed the world's greatest treasure before the world saw her full worth. I felt it seven years ago and I feel just as much now: I have smuggled the pearl of the Earth away to myself because the world saw only the oyster. Oh the cleverness of me! By the time the rest learn what I have, it will be too late to compete for the prize. I win! I win! The treasure goes to the seer! I saw her first, and I see her now, and I will ever celebrate my victory.

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I love that Michael was so excited by this day. I enjoyed the quiet contemplation of it all.

The answers and joy received in moments of contemplation often have no words to

communicate the feeling. I had my family around me and the spirit of the Lord flowing

through my flawed being. He is merciful.

I knew that I would finally be sealed to Michael and no experience would ever be able to outdo

or undo what was taking place as I kneeled across the altar from him.

My Boy, My eternal companion, My best friend, My biggest fan, My greatest Trial,

My greatest Joy and greatest Blessing.

The Lord is merciful and good.

There were many tender experiences that day. Many I can not relate, but tears still come to my eyes as I recall the moment I jumped in my seat startled at the shouting I heard. When I looked around and realized no one else heard it. I knew that I was hearing shouts of joy from beyond the veil. My composure didn't return to me until we were exiting the temple in the picture above.

The dinner we had with my family at the condos following this was the perfect end to a joyous day.

The Lord is merciful, good, and HE LOVES ME!