My heart was full as I watched five of my grandchildren each receive a towel and then a hug from their great-grandma as they exited the temple baptismal font after being baptized by their father or uncle. My dad, their great-grandpa, was also present serving as a witness. Having four generations in the temple to perform work for our ancestors was a unique experience that was extremely gratifying and a memory we will all cherish.
A couple years ago, we started a tradition that during our “grandkids vacation” we would go do baptisms at the temple one morning with those old enough to attend. This year, we decided it would be fun if we could also include my parents, their great-grandparents, in this outing.
My parents (just shy of 90 years young) were pleased but somewhat (maybe even a lot) hesitant when I invited them to join us. As we talked, I discovered they were concerned about physical accessibility and having to change into white clothes due to some of their physical limitations. Their concern: they didn’t want to be a “burden” on anyone or “get in the way of our day.” I reassured them that we had already decided to attend the temple closest to them–one with which they were familiar. After I further explained and reassured them that they would be able to wear their street clothes into the baptismal font area to participate and that a walker would not be an issue, they were reassured and became excited about joining us.
(I mention these concerns in case others may be reluctant to attend for similar reasons or may be unaware of this opportunity if you are attending the temple with your youth. I was unaware of the opportunity to hand out towels to the those being baptised until I was given that opportunity while serving with the Young Women in our ward.)
My dad was asked to assist as a baptismal witness as soon as we walked into the baptistry. The temple was eager to have some help since they were short workers that morning. As they helped him to his seat, there was plenty of room for his walker. Dad seemed to truly enjoy the opportunity. He mentioned to me after that it was “nice to be in the temple and to be needed.”
When my grandchildren began being baptized, another temple worker simply invited my mother over to where they would exit from the font and handed her a towel as each child exited the font. A chair was available so she was able to either stand or sit during this time. (A walker or wheelchair could also have been used.) Mom then lovingly wrapped a towel around each great-grandchild’s shoulders as they exited the font and was able to give each one a special hug. It was a tender, wonderful sight to watch.
Afterward, we all gathered together for the confirmations. Great-grandpa was invited to perform each of these ordinances with the assistance of my son and son-in-law.
Mom and Dad both commented on what a special day that day was for them. However…, their being with us turned a wonderful experience into an extra special memory we will ALL remember, and a new tradition we hope to continue. –Debbie Brady