Geri’s story
Keith and I went began volunteering as ordinance workers at the Las Vegas temple after it opened in December 1989. I was serving as the supervisor/coordinator for the Friday AM Sisters shift in 1997. On the first Friday in April that year, Keith and I worked late. By the time we got home, he wasn’t feeling well. He’d had a long history of heart trouble and had a bypass about two years before. We watched general conference that weekend, and by Sunday evening he was continuing to decline. I decided to call his doctor, Bob Clark. He told us to meet him the following morning at the hospital. He was waiting for us with a wheelchair at 8am. Later that day, Dr. Clark explained to me that Keith’s heart was worn out and he wouldn’t recover. I stayed with him in the hospital for the next few days. Tuesday evening, Dr. Richard Briggs, a good friend from our church ward, came to visit Keith in the hospital. He expressed that it was time to let Keith go and that he would be happy to offer a prayer. With most of my children in attendance, he conveyed in prayer that we were ready to let Keith return to his Heavenly Home. On Wednesday afternoon, I was sitting in his room, working on the Sisters Temple Schedule for my shift while Keith lay unconscious. I looked over at him and noticed that he looked much better. His face was more peaceful and his breathing was no longer labored. I walked over to his bed and realized that he had passed away.
I continued working at the temple for another 15 years. I was more difficult to go alone, but I know it was a blessing in my life. Though I struggled with the aches and pains of old age, the moment I walked inside the temple, they all seemed to disappear. My back felt better, my problems went away, and a feeling of calm came over me. I knew I was in a celestial place. I still enjoy attending the temple when I have the opportunity to go with my dear friends, Jean Bosma and Donna Swartz. It continues to be a great blessing for me and I love being there. I have even been able to do the work for two of my grandchildren recently.
I also served as Relief Society President, for a second time, at age 72. I’ve been able to serve my six children, 22 grandchildren, and 20 (and counting) great-grandchildren. I am so blessed with my wonderful family and friends. I love the Lord. I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and my testimony of its truth. I know that serving in the temple and in the church has made me a better, happier person.
In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.
Keith and I went began volunteering as ordinance workers at the Las Vegas temple after it opened in December 1989. I was serving as the supervisor/coordinator for the Friday AM Sisters shift in 1997. On the first Friday in April that year, Keith and I worked late. By the time we got home, he wasn’t feeling well. He’d had a long history of heart trouble and had a bypass about two years before. We watched general conference that weekend, and by Sunday evening he was continuing to decline. I decided to call his doctor, Bob Clark. He told us to meet him the following morning at the hospital. He was waiting for us with a wheelchair at 8am. Later that day, Dr. Clark explained to me that Keith’s heart was worn out and he wouldn’t recover. I stayed with him in the hospital for the next few days. Tuesday evening, Dr. Richard Briggs, a good friend from our church ward, came to visit Keith in the hospital. He expressed that it was time to let Keith go and that he would be happy to offer a prayer. With most of my children in attendance, he conveyed in prayer that we were ready to let Keith return to his Heavenly Home. On Wednesday afternoon, I was sitting in his room, working on the Sisters Temple Schedule for my shift while Keith lay unconscious. I looked over at him and noticed that he looked much better. His face was more peaceful and his breathing was no longer labored. I walked over to his bed and realized that he had passed away.
I continued working at the temple for another 15 years. I was more difficult to go alone, but I know it was a blessing in my life. Though I struggled with the aches and pains of old age, the moment I walked inside the temple, they all seemed to disappear. My back felt better, my problems went away, and a feeling of calm came over me. I knew I was in a celestial place. I still enjoy attending the temple when I have the opportunity to go with my dear friends, Jean Bosma and Donna Swartz. It continues to be a great blessing for me and I love being there. I have even been able to do the work for two of my grandchildren recently.
I also served as Relief Society President, for a second time, at age 72. I’ve been able to serve my six children, 22 grandchildren, and 20 (and counting) great-grandchildren. I am so blessed with my wonderful family and friends. I love the Lord. I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and my testimony of its truth. I know that serving in the temple and in the church has made me a better, happier person.
In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.
