When I hear about things like Elizabeth Smart’s wedding and see how completely happy and so in love she is, I feel so happy for her. She deserves that. She deserves that happiness so much.

When I have talked to my mom recently about her and the terrible things she endured at such a young age, I cry and cry.  I feel so much sadness, my heart just aches for her – that she has had to go through those things.

I have felt so sad for so much of my life, and it may sound stupid, but I feel like I have or wantthat same sort of connection with these incredible people in the world.  People that have overcome so much in their lives, people who are just… good.

I try to concentrate more on the happiness of this woman’s life. I know that Heavenly Father has been with her every step of the way as she has gone through her life — the good and the bad.

I see Elizabeth Smart as the very definition of a beautiful daughter of God. She does not let her past experiences define her.

I think she sees life as what it is — a beautiful and wonderful thing.

“There is no more beautiful sight

than a young woman who

glows with the light of the Spirit,

who is confident and courageous

because she is virtuous.”

— Elaine S. Dalton