I went home to Arizona the beginning of November for Katie Gavin's wedding. There's an interesting story behind our friendship, as it was made possible through the most unordinary circumstances.
About three years ago, my family was blessed to initially meet Katie's aunt, Karen Marchese. This meeting came when my brother was sick. Karen was his hospice nurse. She developed a very close relationship with my brother in the last few months of his life and was truly touched by his inner faith, strength, and peace. After my brother passed away, Karen sought after the innate peace that was part of my brother's character. She found this peace in our Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Two months after my brother passed away, she was baptized. Karen's light and inner peace touched her husband, Perry and niece, Katie. Perry and Katie were also baptized into the Church. Our friendship with the Marchese's and Katie has truly been a blessing. It is astounding how friends come into our lives. Never a mere coincidence.
After Katie joined the Church, per a friend's request, she started writing her friend's brother, Keenan, serving a mission in CA. Soon after he returned home, their friendship grew into something even greater. Needless to say, they were sealed in the Mesa Temple on November 8, 2008. Keenan and Katie are an amazing pair. I'm grateful that I had the chance to witness their sealing.
I'm so grateful for the Marchese's and their love, energy, and faith in the gospel. They are amazing examples to me, and I'm excited to see what great blessings will continue to unfold in their lives.
I went home to Arizona the beginning of November for Katie Gavin's wedding. There's an interesting story behind our friendship, as it was made possible through the most unordinary circumstances.
About three years ago, my family was blessed to initially meet Katie's aunt, Karen Marchese. This meeting came when my brother was sick. Karen was his hospice nurse. She developed a very close relationship with my brother in the last few months of his life and was truly touched by his inner faith, strength, and peace. After my brother passed away, Karen sought after the innate peace that was part of my brother's character. She found this peace in our Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Two months after my brother passed away, she was baptized. Karen's light and inner peace touched her husband, Perry and niece, Katie. Perry and Katie were also baptized into the Church. Our friendship with the Marchese's and Katie has truly been a blessing. It is astounding how friends come into our lives. Never a mere coincidence.
After Katie joined the Church, per a friend's request, she started writing her friend's brother, Keenan, serving a mission in CA. Soon after he returned home, their friendship grew into something even greater. Needless to say, they were sealed in the Mesa Temple on November 8, 2008. Keenan and Katie are an amazing pair. I'm grateful that I had the chance to witness their sealing. 
I'm so grateful for the Marchese's and their love, energy, and faith in the gospel. They are amazing examples to me, and I'm excited to see what great blessings will continue to unfold in their lives. 
