On 21 April 2016, LDS pianist, Garth Smith, published a new arrangement of “Families Can Be Together Forever” with a focus on adoption on his YouTube channel. The song “Families Can Be Together Forever” is by Vanja Watkins (music) (c) Intellectual Reserve, Inc. and was used by permission. The description of the video reads, “Throughout time, adoption has played such an important role in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether we are born into a family naturally, or whether we join a family through adoption, the eternal blessings of the temple are available to all.”

Our Heavenly Father loves little children. Regardless of a child’s circumstances, He shows His compassion and tender mercy for each one. He is, as the psalmist declared, a “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1), and so He is ever there to support His children in their trials, troubles, and afflictions. To all of His children, He has also promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). As the Savior taught His disciples, “Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:14).

Mormon doctrine teaches that families are eternal and are central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches, “THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World).

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, reminds every parent that their “most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to put feet firmly on the path home” (“Help Them on Their Way Home,” April 2010 general conference).

When a child is conceived out of wedlock, the best option is for the mother and father of the child to marry and work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. If that option seems unlikely, it is in the best interest of the child that it be placed for adoption by a loving family. Placing a child for adoption enhances the prospect for the blessings of the gospel in the lives of all concerned. An adoption is an unselfish act of love that blesses the birth parents, the child, and the adoptive family.

Garth was born in Brigham City, Utah, and now resides in Oceanside, California. He began his classical musical training on the piano at the age of five. By the age of 8, he was performing as a piano soloist. He specializes in original arrangements of LDS hymns on the piano. He served a mission to the Arizona Holbrook Navajo Mission and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Design Engineering Technology. He and his wife Diane are two-time adoptive parents of two daughters, Megan, and Susana.