So speculation continues?
If this water pitcher is the reel deal, where did Bill get it? Let's think about this for a bit. Did a disgruntled St. Goerge temple worker borrow it for the weekend? Did the maintenance man take it from the temple to get it cleaned and leave it in his van during lunch at Costa Vida where Bill snagged a picture of it? Did Elder Rasband have a weekend tea party with his granddaughters and leave it at the McDonald's? Did Elder Ballard leave it at the urgent care where he soaked his old tired feet in a warm basin of Epsom salt?
What if Bill got it from a recipient of the second anointing? That would indicate that the special recipient of the second anointing and his wife got to take home a special souvenir! Having worked in the pawn shop for a few years now, Bill most likely would try to authenticate the water pitcher. I'm assuming he was thrilled when he flipped it over in his hands while inspecting it and saw the telltale sign it was reel. Made in Idaho!
Can you imagine the podcast interview?
Bill interviews the mystery man asking one simple question. "Tell us about your sacred experience?"
Well, let's see. It's an unusual story. I was driving south down the freeway towards American Fork when my cell phone rang. It was Russell. He told me not to say a word. I kept my mouth shut.
He gave me instructions he received through revelation. I don't know if Wendy was asked to get out of bed or not.
I didn't ask. I just listened.
He told me I needed to be at the Temple early in the morning, to bring an extra pair of socks, to make sure my toe nails were clipped, and in an unusual turn of events, to bring my wife.
We showed up at the temple, got dressed in the robes of the holy priesthood, and went upstairs to the Celestial Room. The room was a brilliant white. I wasn't expecting what happened next.
With the flip of a switch and the purr of a motor, the chandelier began to lower. As I stood there in a semi confused state of awe, a light descended. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Wife Wendy!
As the chandelier lowered, Russell M. Nelson sat in a gold covered chair with his wife Wendy standing over his shoulder.
He snapped his fingers and two temple workers brought out a ceramic pitcher full of seltzer water and a basin wrapped in two towels. He directed me to come forward. I did. He asked me to take off my temple slippers slowly. I did.
He asked me to place my left foot on his left knee. I did. He seductively removed my sock, spread my toes to pick out some sock lint and then motioned for me to do the same with my right foot. I complied.
He again seductively removed my sock, spread my toes, then pulled my foot closer to his crotch. I nearly lost my footing but quickly recovered as the arm of the Prophet stiffened to catch my balance. At this point the Prophet directed the temple workers to fill the basin, then he proceeded to wash my feet and anoint me with his hands on my head.
It was a very special moment, one I will never forget! After the ceremony they bubble wrapped the basin and water pitcher and gave it to us as a special trophy momento to take home as a reminder of our calling and election made sure!
Bill Reel: how did you get to this point where I'm interviewing you and holding the water pitcher?
Mystery man: well, after my special temple experience, my wife and I suddenly found ourselves invited to many different Sunday evening dinners held at the homes of some of the Q70. It must have been the second or maybe third dinner party at the time when I was sitting through the prayer.
My eyes drifted open for a split second when I noticed it there in front of me! Sitting 18 inches away was the exact same foot washing basin I had been given at the temple! Only this one was filled with mashed potatoes! My heart dropped!
I glanced around the table and noticed a similar water pitcher to the one used to anoint and wash my feet filled with lemonade! I couldn't believe it! One of the sweet sisters must have caught on to my dismay and quickly winked at me before asking if I would like some mashed potatoes. I said yes and complimented her on the serving dish. She thanked me for the compliment and said out loud it was made in Idaho.
Curiosity got the best of me Bill! That night after we got home and finished our God ordained marital intimacy, my wife went to bed And I lay there unable to sleep. My mind was left wondering who the craftsman of the water pitcher and basin could be? I turned on my laptop and googled, "Second Anointing Water Pitcher made in Idaho"! I came across some guy in Europe named Tom Phillips!
And here we are!
Wndr.