Overview - Plan of Salvation

Similar to the pieces they cut out
and put in an envelope in their journal.

Glue-in.

What if there is someone on the other side of the veil interested in your life.  Who would that be, and what message might they have for you?

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I know there are people on the other side of the veil interested in my life. 

Several years ago, I was feeling overwhelmed with my life.  I was brought to my knees because I felt so incredibly alone and yearned so deeply for an extended family that would be an active part of my and my family's life.  I needed encouragement and a mentor.  Feeling completely helpless on my own, I prayed for answers.  I was particularly sad because over the years I have heard so much about Bennett's dad.  Of all the things I had been told about him, I felt that he was the one of my extended family that I could probably have related to the very most.  And he was dead.  I felt shorted, and very, very sad.  And alone.  So, I went to my Heavenly Father and poured out my heart to Him.  The message that came into my mind was clear.  "Dallas Keller IS your father-in-law.  Not he WAS, but he IS.  Because of he and Sylvia's temple marriage, which is still valid, he IS your father-in-law and he is STILL a big part of your life.  It's not the same as if you could see him, but please KNOW, that he is an active part of your lives." 

Since then, I have tried to imagine him fully aware of our lives, looking in on me and my family from time to time.  I have felt his awareness of my yearning to connect with extended family, but frustration at not being able to do so.  I know he understands that I feel like a square peg in a round hole in both families.  I know he is disappointed in some things, but that he understands the actions and/or inactions of others too.  I know he loves me dearly and that he is proud of the way I am raising his granddaughters.  He has extended support in ways I can't describe.  And he has offered encouragement in the form of thoughts and feelings.  The thoughts come in ways and at times that I know they are not my own.  I have felt his presence a few precious times to know what's important to him.  It's his family.  He misses us too, but missing us doesn't feel like missing him does to us.  He understands so much more and that provides me with peace of mind that I cherish. 

So, I know that the message my father-in-law has for me is one of encouragement, comfort, and love, particularly for the way I am raising my daughters.

Since this experience, I have pondered and asked about others who might be invested in my life from the other side of the veil.  I have always felt that the answer was yes, there are others.  I have specifically thought of Aunt Boots, Grandma Pierotti, Grandma and Grandpa Westgard, Grandma and Grandpa Karren, and my high school friend, Cari Skousen.  Cari has played a specific role in my recent life that deepened my love for her and the eternal nature of friendship.

I still want for a connection with my extended family, but the desperation and yearning have dissipated.  I have come to understand that there are circumstances in this life that make it very, very difficult for some to make or to accept an effort of connection.  I know that eventually, when we come to a greater understanding, it will be there.  In the meantime, I am trying to balance honest, genuine, and charity in my attempts to connect.  Sometimes it works.  Sometimes it does not.  And I cherish the experiences I have with those on the other side of the veil.