Mitt leaves the race...

After the huge loss on Super Tuesday, Mitt has decided to gracefully exit the race for president. It's an interesting thing, though. This whole thing began because of a spiritual prompting. Mitt did not aspire to be president. In fact, this whole process was VERY difficult for him. He and Ann had a very strong prompting that it needed to be done. So all along throughout this race, the family has wondered about the purpose. We wondered whether it was to win, or to get some stronger recognition for the church. We wondered if it was to have the stark contrast between good & evil or to prepare for a future run... Still none of us really understand the reason behind it all. However through it all, the church headquarters has been unable to keep up with the increase in phone calls about the church. Temple square visitors have drastically increased, more and more people now have heard about the LDS (Mormon) faith. It's neat to see all of that happen. Also, there has been an increase in opposition. I have read & heard more anti-mormon stuff lately than ever before. (Did you know there were protestors at Pres. Hinckley's funeral? That is outrageous! Just inappropriate!)

It was pretty evident by the poll numbers and such that he was not going to win on Tuesday, but it was still a mojor disappointment for all of us, to say the least. My parents were talking with Ann & Mitt yesterday to see what their take was on things. Well, Mitt had a metting with his campaign staff. It was inspiring and exciting. Everyone encouraged him to continue, that there was no one better. There were still so many undecided delegates, etc... So, he left deciding to continue on & fight it out. Today he had a scheduled speech with CPAC (conservatives) It was intended that he would rial everyone up & continue on. as Mitt was writing his speech, this was the intent. However in the process of writing it, he had a strong spiritual impression that that was not to happen. He felt he needed to pull out now. So, he went in and gave his awesome, inspiring speech and then announced his intent to pull out. There were shouts of surprise & opposition. People were telling him they love him & want him in...but this is the end of a long battle. It is incredibly bitter-sweet. I am so relieved to have the stressful process over, but I am very disheartened by his loss and the prospect of remaining choices. My parents received many tearful phone calls after his speech was over. I almost cannot believe it is over. I am grateful that I got the chance to vote for him once, at least!