As I mentioned in this post, Ryan had a big day on Sunday, May 6. He passed the sacrament and collected fast offerings for the first time. After dinner with Rara & Papa, we were back home winding down and relaxing a little bit. Ryan had just started his bedtime routine when our phone rang, and Ryan answered. It was one of the counselors in our stake presidency. He talked with Ryan for a minute, and asked him about his first day passing the sacrament and doing fast offerings. Then Ryan handed the phone to me.
President Farnes expressed his love and admiration for Ryan and me, and passed along the same expressions from the rest of the stake presidency. Then he asked if Ryan and I would speak in the Priesthood Leadership Session of our stake conference. He asked us to speak on Ryan being the priesthood holder in our home, how I as a single mother have prepared Ryan for the priesthood, and how other men in our family and ward have stepped in to mentor Ryan and help him prepare for the priesthood. After I told him we would, he asked Ryan, who also agreed.
I have to admit, we hung up and both cried. Although we knew it was an honor for a woman (especially a single mom) and a new deacon to speak in Priesthood Leadership meeting, we were overwhelmed. As we said our prayers that evening, we asked for help in knowing what we should share. The next couple of days, our talks came together quickly and easily as we knew what we should share with the leaders in that session.
It was a wonderful experience for both of us. I wore my brightest outfit, knowing I’d probably be the only female in the room. :) The stake Relief Society president was there before the meeting putting flowers up on the stand. She said, “I was trying to add a little beauty to the chapel with the flowers. You look MORE beautiful than the flowers in your bright colors!”
We shared some very personal (and some sacred) experiences that we’ve had together the past 10 years. Because of that, I am not going to share our talks here.
After the meeting, about half of those in attendance came up to the stand to speak with us. We knew many of them, but some we were meeting for the first time. They were so cute to Ryan, and said wonderful things like, “It is an honor to be in the company of such an amazing young man.” Ryan absolutely beamed!
Later, I was jokingly told that men usually try to leave meetings as quickly as possible. :) The fact that so many stuck around to talk with us confirmed that we touched many individuals with what we shared. We literally stood on the stand for about 15 minutes as people came up to talk with us, and then it took us another 15 minutes to make our way out of the chapel and the building, as more stopped us to talk. Many sweet words were shared with many dear friends.
The whole experience was so uplifting – both spiritually and emotionally. Through the week I received some incredible notes in the mail, and several emails expressing gratitude for what we shared and the examples we are to others, even amid our own unique challenges. It was an amazing week!
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