This picture is hanging up in my family room. As I’ve considered purging various LDS related materials and wall hangings in my home, this one gives me pause. It made me realize something.
It’s the Las Vegas temple (where I grew up and was married) with the backdrop of the strip lit up.
This has always been meaningful for me for a couple reasons.
First, I loved the contrast of the “wicked” Las Vegas strip and the “holy” house of God.
But secondly, the photo was taken and given to us by a wonderful man named Steve. And today I want to tell you about Steve.
When my family moved to Las Vegas, I wasn’t yet four years old. Steve was the bishop at the time, and he was in our home within 24 hours. I remember feeling so loved and welcomed—yes, I have this distinct memory from age 3!
I remember the tithing envelopes with his name. His middle initial was the same as that of my Mom’s maiden name and I always said his full name as if her maiden name was his middle name. 🤣
His family played a major role in my upbringing. His wife Margaret was my Young Women’s teacher and his brother-in-law, Richard, was our home teacher.
Richard visited us every month without fail, for a long time. He always paid special attention to the kids; he really had a gift of love and encouragement. He brought fun object lessons so there were activities and toys to play with.
Another brother-in-law, Robert, showed extra care and support for me personally when I was a struggling teenager. His wife Janet was my seminary teacher when I wasn’t attending, and she came and “found me” and brought me in.
I had breakfast with Steve’s family once or twice when I was over for an early morning choir sectional practice. Breakfast was a big deal at their house, so I felt really special to be included.
My mom and I did water aerobics with these families for years.
Their families played so many more roles. That was the best ward ever—people showed up. We were all a family. My family was the weird one, but nobody cared. They looked after us in so many ways.
When my mom passed away (after moving a couple hours away from Las Vegas), it was Steve, Richard and their families who made the drive to come show their support. It was so nice to see them again and catch up.
They are anchors in my life story.
I’m tearing up writing this because of how sweet it is to have community and a space of belonging.
And it’s good for me to hold onto all the good memories I have 💗
All I Possess 