Tuesday, August 5, 2008

The Wedding: Emmer and Jim

On Saturday August 2, 2008 my sister, Emmer Jenay Fields, was married for time and all eternity in the Oakland California Temple to James Walter MacKillop.

Jim and Emmer MacKillop, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland Temple, Oakland, CA
(Jim and Emmer MacKillop, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland Temple, Oakland, CA)


I took a number of pictures that can be viewed on my website.

Jim and Emmer MacKillop, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland Temple, Oakland, CA
(Jim and Emmer MacKillop, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland Temple, Oakland, CA)


I am so happy. Growing up I have always been very close to my sister. Emmer has always been an inspiration to me. I have looked up to my little sister in so many ways, from as far back as I can remember. Emmer has always inspired me to be the best person I could be. So many times I have wished that I could be more like her.

Only 13 months younger than me, we have always been very close.

Spencer and Emmer Fields, date unknown, Brace Ave. Apt. San Jose, CA
(Spencer and Emmer Fields, date unknown, Brace Ave. Apt. San Jose, CA)


When we were little she was my very best friend ever. We would play together.

Emmer and Spencer Fields, Feb 1988, Richards Ave, San Jose, CA
(Emmer and Spencer Fields, Feb 1988, Richards Ave, San Jose, CA)


When in middle school Emmer and I grew even closer. We would walk to and from the bus stop every day. We would talk about important things in life. I always valued her advice.

She was always patient with me, even when I was having trouble learning how to dance.
(Note: Actually the way it really worked was this, Emmer would dance through the house, and I would make an honest effort to emulate her . . . or was it me trying to imitate her? I can't seem to remember. :o) But as frustrating as it must have been for her to have an untalented "shadow" she still loved me—even if I couldn't dance. And that makes me feel special.)

Emmer and Spencer Fields, date unknown, \
(Emmer and Spencer Fields, date unknown, "Dancing" through the house, Richards Ave, San Jose, CA)


Speaking of dance, there was the time, prior to the previous picture, when we were in a multi-stake Dance Festival. Not only was she patient with my slow learning, but when I got very sick on the day of the performance, she taught me, again, the power of fasting, prayer, and faith. I danced that night, and I think I did well. But very little of it had to do with me. Most of it was the great faith of my amazing sister.

Emmer and Spencer Fields, 22 Nov 1997, Regional Dance Festival, Civic Auditorium, San Jose, CA
(Emmer and Spencer Fields, 22 Nov 1997, Regional Dance Festival, Civic Auditorium, San Jose, CA)


Emmer wrote me every week for two years while I was serving a mission on the East Coast. She inspired me and kept me going. Whenever I was frustratedfdsk or down, I could depend on a letter from Emmer to arrive and say just the right thing I needed. She had a major impact on me while we were thousands of miles apart. She didn't miss a single week—not one.

Elder Spencer Fields, 13 Jun 2001, Yarmo Home, Hudson, NH
(Elder Spencer Fields, 13 Jun 2001, Yarmo Home, Hudson, NH)


Emmer traveled to Russia, despite her anxieties over it, and spent a number of months teaching English. She set such a good example for me of someone who does what she feels she should do, even if it is something that is not easy to do.

She later served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was able to bless the lives of many. My already spiritually attuned sister came home with a greater light in her countenance than she had before.

Sister Emmer Fields, Spring 2005, MI
(Sister Emmer Fields, Spring 2005, MI)


Emmer came home and continued to pursue her education, bless my life, and move forward spiritually.

Emmer and Spencer Fields, 31 Jul 2008, Richards Ave, San Jose, CA
(Emmer and Spencer Fields, 31 Jul 2008, Richards Ave, San Jose, CA)

Emmer dated for a while before finally meeting Jim. After dating for a number of months they were engaged.

Jim MacKillop and Emmer Fields, Spring 2008, Rexburg, ID
(Jim MacKillop and Emmer Fields, Spring 2008, Rexburg, ID)

I met Jim at Christmastime. He is great. I love my sister, and she deserves the very best. She deserves someone who will treat her like the queen that she is. She deserves someone who will love her and lift her and bless her. She deserves a righteous young man who is devoted to God and to her. She deserves someone who will make her feel special and happy every day. Jim is that someone. For Emmer, he is the very best. I love him. I have never seen Emmer so happy, and she is a happy person. I am happy. I'm excited to have a new brother.

Jim MacKillop and Spencer Fields, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland, CA
(Jim MacKillop and Spencer Fields, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland, CA)


As I contemplated the wedding, I was impressed with the thought that this just adds one more thing that Emmer has done right. She waited for someone who was good for her—someone who completes her, and makes her more whole than she is on her own. Emmer and Jim are truly living "after the manner of happiness." Emmer is still my hero and example.

Spencer Fields and Emmer MacKillop, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland, CA
(Spencer Fields and Emmer MacKillop, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland, CA)


This was a very sacred and special opportunity to go to the Temple of my God, and there to act as a witness of such a sacred event. There are a lot of things that bring joy in this life. There are many things that make me happy. There is much to be glad about. However, these special moments in the little sealing room, with my family and close friends around, was one of the happiest, most sacred, and special moments of my life. I love my family. I love the gospel which binds us together.

Olin, Lisa, and Spencer Fields, Emmer and Jim MacKillop, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland, CA
(Olin, Lisa, and Spencer Fields, Emmer and Jim MacKillop, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland, CA)


May God bless you Emmer and Jim as you begin the rest of eternity together. :o)

Jim and Emmer MacKillop, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland Temple, Oakland, CA
(Jim and Emmer MacKillop, 2 Aug 2008, Oakland Temple, Oakland, CA)

3 Comments:

Blogger Kimberly said...

What a thoughtful tribute to your sister. You are definitely lucky to have her, as she is to have you.

Also, I love the baby pictures of the two of you!

Sunday, October 12, 2008 4:37:00 PM  
Blogger Melanie said...

I love it! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and all of the great pictures of you guys throughout the years. You are both an inspiration to me! I am so happy for Emmer and Jim, and happy for you to have been a part of their special day!

Friday, October 17, 2008 9:43:00 PM  
Blogger 7Carters!E,H,V,B,R,C,E said...

How wonderful to see 2 siblings with such a strong relationship. Your sister is beautiful SPencer and I'm glad to see her so happy!

Sunday, December 14, 2008 7:51:00 PM  

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