Back To Arizona--Valerie's Wedding

My sister, Valerie, became a widow unexpectedly back in July of 2020.  She was only 59 with likely much more of life to live.  While she grieved for the loss of her eternal companion, Lance, she moved forward in faith to care for herself, her family, and those around her.  She shared some of her thoughts, feelings, and experiences through social media and because of that and our private conversations, I know I am better prepared for the time if I am left behind by Gary's passing.  (I am older though so I should be first!) After 1 1/2 years as a "widow", she was called to be the Relief Society President in her ward and frequently has been called on to render comfort to others dealing with loss.  A role she is uniquely qualified to do!

One of the things that Valerie learned was that her mortal life did not need to be defined by widowhood.  She was still a daughter of God, a mom, a sister, a friend, an author...and so many other things.  She determined to move forward to become the person that God needed her to be, to serve, to grow, to change--so that when she and Lance are together again that they both will see the growth they have both made and stand ready to move forward into the eternities. And so she did (and continues to do)--

Playing 9-square at a church Singles Event last September (there only to support a friend who was in charge), Valerie "noticed" Austen Willcox.  Turned out that he noticed her as well--and it started interactions and conversations which finally led to their engagement and their wedding on March 4th outside in a grassy area of a Church building with family and friends present.  It was simple, sweet, and fun---all that they wanted from the occasion.  Another major life change---not one that Valerie expected and certainly not when she thought it might happen--but life is often like that as well.  All you can do is try to do and be what God wants from us.  For Valerie and Austen, this is the next step in their mortal lives and it is good!

A few pictures---

Friday night, we gathered with members of Austen's family for a dinner and games--

At one point, I reminded Gary that it was our anniversary and so we took a selfie.  Happy 45 Years for us!

How lucky I am!

Of course, 9 Square was played.  The Ipsons are big fans of this game and it was also how Austin and Valerie met so it was appropriate for the occasion.

Nearly Wed Game with prizes

The Wedding on Saturday afternoon in Mesa

All of the grandsons came in first with their white shirts and green bow ties

Then the granddaughters in their hunter green dresses

Valerie walked in with her oldest granddaughters but I missed the picture because of the tears in my eyes from the grandchildren.  They all did such a great job.

Valerie then hugged each of the granddaughters who had waited at the front (Austin had given fist bumps, I think, to the grandsons)

No pictures from me of the wedding but then the reception and dancing...

the cake eating

The first dance

The "Baby Shark" dance with the grandchildren--

It was great and sweet with many tender feelings of love.  It was perfect.  And personally, I think Lance was aware and approved of what was happening and has a greater understanding of the whole reasons for all of this.  Lance's mother and his two sisters attended the wedding which was so sweet.  I think we all felt and thought a lot about Lance this weekend but it was a positive, good thing for me.

 I found a quote which I thought was perfect for the situation even though it wasn't a "favorite quote" of mine-  It said: "Love Is Never Wasted."  That is true--loving is part of who we are and what God expects from us.  He and Our Savior love us infinitely and we can learn to widen and love more fully and completely and generously than we have before.

Welcome to the family, Austin.  We plan to love you infinitely as well! Because love is never wasted.