A day on Temple Square

One very chilly summer day, I decided to take a Saturday to myself and go up to Salt Lake. I figured I had nothing else going on. So my first stop was Gray Whale, I found a few new CDs to listen to while I drove, and then I headed for the freeway.
As I sped up the road, I thought about all the times I had driven that road before. All the times that I had raced past the world in a hurry to get to where I was going. Originally, I wasn't sure if I was going to spend the day shopping at the Gateway or if I would just walk the grounds... But it became clear as I drove that is what I needed. I pulled into the familiar parking garage that I had used three times a week while I worked up there. I parked in my usual spot and hopped out of the car. I grabbed my plastic cards and a camera. Then I was off and walking. I hadn't really been in Downtown since the end of my internship. I stopped and looked at the building from across the street-

I worked on the 6th floor. Every day I came, I would swipe my badge and jump into an elevator. The dream. I used to dream of working in a big building, riding up and down with people who were running mail to other floors, and meeting interesting men in suits. All of this was accomplished in a few short months.
I then proceeded down the sidewalk to the grounds. It was a site that I had neglected. I paused at the gates and watched as constructions was happening all around, but I could still feel that the spirit had not changed or moved like the cones and yellow tape were trying to force me to do.

I walked though the initial visitors center. It was full of people, apparently there was a tour happening that day. I stopped and read the statues name plates. Usually when I visit the grounds, there is snow covering everything. But this time there wasn't. I took the time to watch, to listen, to see. I was sad that I hadn't brought a coin to toss in the fountain, I am highly suspicious tha tit is good luck. I went out along the reflection pool, but stopped. Staring back though the gates, I saw a young girl standing in all white with her family surrounding her on the stairs. A wonderful day for a wedding. As my eyes wandered though the scene, I saw that there were several brides.
I then proceeded to walk onto temple grounds and found a bench under the shade of a tree to sit down by. I watched as girls got their wedding pictures taken, as two girls came out with their newly wed husband clutched in their arms. The smiles, tears, and radiance was touching.
There is a song that says, "All I want is to hold you forever. All I need is you more every day". That is my dream. I woudn't settle for a marriage outside the walls of the most holy place. I sat there on the bench, admiring dresses, admiring these girls, and critiquing the colors. But more than anything, I felt a little sad knowing that it was not my day, and that the day wouldn't be there too soon.