Our Story

I had just gotten out of a pretty serious relationship. I was dating a Baptist and we had discussed marriage despite our religious differences. We were in love, we thought we could make it work. But our relationship became more strained and when he gave me the ultimatum to leave the church or leave him, I picked my religion. The whole time we were dating I had immersed myself in scripture growing closer and closer to the Lord. When the relationship ended I relied completely on the guidance of the Holy Ghost and swore off guys for a while. I was going to enjoy being single!

I had noticed a guy at Institute (yes, Institute. It really can work.) and he was really cute. He was quiet and at the time I first noticed him I was involved so I didn't really think too much about it. After my breakup I was called to be the Singles Representative and make sure our Stake was involved in all the activities in our area. I got the chance to meet and become close with so many singles in our Stake. It was a fun calling. There was this one girl in particular that I tried to connect with. I could tell she was not in a good relationship and needed someone to reach out to. When she finally broke it off with her guy I was on the ball trying to play match maker with the guys from church.

"So, who do you think is cute?"

"I really think that guy Theo is kinda cute."

Crap.

He was my go to guy when I was done being happy with my single hiatus. Well, I had to ask and now she just called dibs.

"Okay...well how about we all carpool to the dance this weekend and you can sit in the back with him and you guys can get to know each other better."

The plan was set, and off we went. But there was something not connecting. At the dance I tried not to pay him any extra attention so my friend could have a fair shot. But I couldn't help notice that whenever I was around Theo shifted his body to face me. If I came to sit at the table for a break from my mad dance moves he would turn in his seat so we would be face to face. As we were getting in the car to go back home my friend told me she would like to sit up front on the way back.

I gave her a quizzical look and said, "Are you sure?"

She gave me a smile and said, "Yeah."

Okay, I thought. I guess that didn't work out. As we were sitting in the back we were going through the CD case and I noticed a scab on his right hand. Without thinking about it or even realizing my hand was moving towards his, I scooped up his hand in mine and asked him what happened. Instead of just holding his hand out straight while I examined it, he cupped his hand around mine. I started to blush and butterflies started fluttering in my stomach. "What was that?" I wondered.

It was really late when we drove home and it was a couple hours drive, so being exhausted from the evening I fell asleep with my head up against the back seat. I woke up a little when I felt a pressure on the top of my head. It was Theo, apparently I had slid on to his shoulder as I slept and now he was falling asleep with his head rested on mine. It was such a sweet moment, and we rode all the way home like that.

He called the next day, of course, and we had a first date on March 12, 1999. We were sealed in the Orlando Temple on July 17, 1999.

It has been a wonderful 10 years and I grow to love that man more and more every day. I thank my Heavenly Father constantly for preparing me to be worthy for the covenants that we were able to make in the temple. Now we have 4 beautiful children and blessings beyond comprehension.

I love you Theo and I am yours for all time and eternity.