Podcast Summary

Podcast: followHIM
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Episode: He's Older than His Parents • followHIM Favorites • October 13-19 • Come Follow Me
Date: November 6, 2025

Main Theme

This episode’s central theme is the power of eternal connections and family, as illustrated through a remarkable true story. The hosts, Hank and John, share an inspiring account that parallels the “Come, Follow Me” sections 129-132 focus on eternity, celestial kingdom, and sealing families, exploring what it really means to belong and be connected—literally and spiritually—across generations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Story of Harry: An Unlikely Family

• Introduction of Harry ([00:03]–[01:32])

  • Harry was born in 1932 to young parents but was institutionalized due to his mental handicap—a common practice at the time.
  • He spent his life in various state-run facilities, largely devoid of familial affection or connection.
  • “He’s going to spend most of his life in mental hospital, group homes, things run by the government.” (Host, 01:13)

• Contrast with Megan’s Childhood

  • Megan, born 47 years later, had a typical loving upbringing, highlighting the stark differences in their childhoods.

• Megan and Cody Become Caregivers ([02:30]–[04:58])

  • As an adult, Megan becomes certified to care for mentally handicapped adults, bringing clients into her home to support them like foster care.

  • In December 2008, after Harry’s group home was condemned due to neglect, Megan and Cody are asked to consider taking Harry, then 76, into their family.

    “From the parking lot, Megan calls Cody and says, ‘I’m bringing Grandpa home.’” (Host, 04:11)

  • Harry quickly adapts, finding joy in simple routines and affection, calling Megan and Cody “Mom” and “Dad.”

2. The Path to Becoming a Family

• Legal Adoption and Blessing ([05:48]–[07:13])

  • After seeing Harry’s lack of family, Megan and Cody feel prompted to make Harry a permanent part of their family.

  • Supported by their bishop and a lawyer friend, in March 2015, they legally adopt Harry at age 82.

  • Megan explains the meaning of adoption to Harry:

    “‘Do you know what it means to be adopted?’ Harry said, ‘It means I don’t have to worry anymore.’” (Host quoting Megan, 06:22)

  • Harry receives a name and blessing in their ward—a unique event as all involved are much younger, including his newly adopted father, age 38.

    “He was surrounded by uncles, grandfathers and friends, all of which were younger than him. And his father gave him a name and a blessing.” (Host, 07:04)

3. Sealed for Eternity: The Celestial Family ([07:13]–[08:19])

• On May 2, 2015, Harry, at 82, is sealed in the Rexburg Temple to his adopted family, surrounded by relatives—including a great-grandmother who is only three years older than him.

• This sealing ceremony profoundly embodies the Come, Follow Me lesson of eternal family bonds.

  “This mentally handicapped orphan boy was sealed for time and all eternity to his new family. It was a story 82 years in the making.” (Host, quoting Diane, 07:50)

• A touching moment:

  “It warms my heart to hear that when he passes the computer and the picture of his family all dressed in white in the temple, he points at it, laughs, and says, ‘That was fun.’ Yes, Harry. Eternity is fun.” (Host quoting Diane, 07:58)

4. Reflections and Spiritual Application ([08:19]–[08:46])

• John reflects on the unique nature of the story and its universal message:

  "It makes me think about the importance of feeling connected to a family. Isn't that a great message?" (John, 08:19)

• Hank emphasizes that the story mirrors the week’s study focus: the power and necessity of eternal connections.

5. Teaser for the Main Episode

• The hosts preview their main episode guest, Brittany Chapman Nash, who will help address the historical context and challenges of plural marriage in Doctrine & Covenants section 132.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Adoption and Belonging:

  “Do you know what it means to be adopted? Harry said, ‘It means I don’t have to worry anymore.’”
  (Host/Megan, 06:22)

• On the Uniqueness of the Family Sealings:

  “That's the only case I've ever heard of your parents being 30 years younger than you are, 40 years younger than you are.”
  (John, 08:36)

• On the Central Message:

  “Connections. Eternal connections.”
  (Host, 08:28)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:03] – Episode intro and story setup
• [01:13] – Harry’s background and early life
• [02:30] – Megan’s caregiving certification and Harry’s placement with her family
• [04:11] – Harry’s first meeting and becoming ‘Grandpa’
• [05:48] – Realization: Harry should be part of their eternal family
• [06:22] – Harry’s response to adoption
• [07:04] – Harry receives a name and blessing
• [07:13]–[07:55] – Temple sealing and family connection
• [08:19] – Reflection on the story’s importance

Tone

The conversation is warm, heartfelt, and full of quiet awe at the miracles of connection and belonging. The hosts narrate with a touch of humor, tenderness, and reverence—capturing the spirit of faith and family that infuses both the story and the Come, Follow Me sections under discussion.

Conclusion

This followHIM Favorites episode uses Harry’s unexpected journey—being adopted and sealed to a family decades younger than him—to beautifully reinforce gospel themes of eternal families, compassion, and divine connection. Listeners come away uplifted, with a fresh lens on what it means to be part of God’s eternal family and why those connections truly matter.