Congratulations Larry and Wendy!

Larry and Wendy Brown in front of the Redlands Temple doors.

Wendy and Larry. Redlands Temple. Friday, October 12, 2007. 11pm.

Wendy with her youngest brother, David Walgren.

Wendy Brown, David Walgren, and Me--Cindy Duffy. Cousins!!!

What a great experience tonight was. Duff and I drove out to Redlands to go to the temple with Larry and Wendy, my cousin. Wendy is the daughter of Bob and Rita Walgren. Rita is one of my mom's younger sisters. Auntie 'Tia' and Uncle Bob, and Larry and Wendy live in Wrightwood, CA, a darling mountain town. I loved going there as a kid growing up. Living in the city all my life it was fun to 'get away' to their home in mountains. We have a LOT of fun memories there as cousins. Sleep overs, the triple bunkbeds, chili for dinner (oh the after-effects.....)games and laughter. Snow in the winter, and hiking and gathering pinecones in the summer and fall.

Larry and Wendy have had many challenges in their married life. Most recently, Wendy's battle with breast cancer for the last 9 years. They have worked HARD to overcome their trials and it has paid off! Last night, Larry went to the temple for his own endowment and Wendy went back to the temple for the 1st time in 25 years! It was a beautiful experience. Duff and I and her brother David, were the only family that could be there, but they have many very good friends and a great bishop who were there loving and supporting them at this crossroads of their life.

We had our 'happy tears'! (Wendy and I were prepared with our tissues. We held each others hand during the session. It was a 'sweet' connection between cousins.) Such a long road to get where they are now, but SO worth it.

It was a long day--we didn't leave the temple until 11:15 pm and then had an hour and a 1/2 drive home, but the feelings and Heavenly connection are still lingering.

Wendy and Larry--We love you and are so proud of you! Way to go!