Anna's baptism

When I was eight years old I got baptized. It was at the stake center in Eugene. I was baptized the same day as a girl named Chloe. She went first. She came up out of the water and yelled. WOW!!!! I didn't know what to think. I was scared. Before that WOW!!! I thought you just went under the water, hopefully didn't get any water up your nose and that if your dress or hair popped up you'd have to do it again. I didn't think anything would happen to you under the water that would be worthy of a WOW. I got in the water, went under, came up and quietly got out. No WOW. I do remember feeling good but a little confused. What happened to Chloe that didn't happen to me?

I walked up the stairs and into the dressing room. My mom was there holding out a towel. She wrapped me in it, hugged me and with tears streaming down her face she whispered, "I'm so proud of you". 27 years later I watched Rick take Anna's hand and lead her into the water. I stood in the dressing room doorway and watched Anna walk up the stairs I held out a towel wrapped her in it, held her close and whispered "I am so proud of you". Tears were streaming down my face. And WOW. That moment is something I will forever cherish.

At eight I didn't understand what happened to me under the water- I didn't get how significant it was. I am not sure that Anna does either. But now I know. Now I know not only what those covenants are but what they mean and how blessed I am for having had the privileged to make them. And watching my daughter take her first step on path that will bring her such happiness was a moment I will never forget.