“I saw a loving mother with her arms about the neck of her boy. She was shaken with sobs; and the flood-gates of his tears were open. To my look of inquiry she replied with an explanation, – ‘He is my son, and has just returned from his mission, after nearly three years’ absence. Oh! I am so happy I just have to cry.’ The glad father who stood by, wept in unison with his wife and son. The young man soon suppressed his emotion, and answered my questions, with proud humility and soulful gratitude in his face. His record in the mission field was good; his release was an honorable one.

“And as I looked upon the reunited family, I said in my heart – this is happiness indeed; while through the inner chambers of my soul there echoed a holy refrain, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; happiness is thy reward.’”

– James E. Talmage