Latter-day Saint Voices

Example, Blessings, and a Wonderful Life

By Rachel Ford, Colorado, USA

Because of the example of her high school teacher, my mother wanted to learn more about the Church.

The author (left) with her new friend, Sara

During a recent multistake dance I attended as a chaperone, I decided to make friends with another chaperone. I learned that we had met briefly before, that she lived in a different stake, and that we had friends in common. I also learned she was from Rochester, New York, USA, where her family had lived for many years.

I told my new friend, Sara, that my mom was born and raised in Rochester. Sara asked for my mother’s maiden name. I insisted there was no way she’d know her. My mother was not a member of the Church back then.

I explained that Mom had joined the Church her freshman year while attending college in Missouri. In high school, she had had a high school teacher she respected. He was always kind to her and was a great example of the Savior’s love.

My mother found out he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When she left for college, she wanted to learn more about his religion.

“My dad was an English teacher in Rochester for 35 years,” Sara said. “What high school did your mom attend?”

I quickly texted my mom, asking what school she attended and the name of the teacher who had influenced her to seek out the Church.

“Eastridge High, David Anderson,” she replied.

Sara’s father was David Anderson!

We enjoyed a special moment as my mother explained the wonderful things life had brought her since she joined the Church—a temple wedding, missionary service by four of her eight children and many of her grandchildren, and numerous other blessings.

When Sara shared my mother’s story with her father the next day, he wept with gratitude. He had joined the Church after getting married and had wanted to serve a mission himself, but he was a widower who had lost two wives. Hearing my mother’s story helped him feel that he truly had a wonderful life.

My family is grateful for Mr. Anderson, the covenant-keeping high school teacher whose example inspired an 18-year-old girl to seek truth and change her life and the life of generations to come.

With the gospel of Jesus Christ, life can be wonderful for all those willing to follow the Savior and honor their covenants.