Reflection

Yesterday I got a text message from Rob that said something like this: "Happy 9th anniversary of our first date-- chinese food, a hockey game, bowling..." I was not at all surprised that Rob remembered.

I didn't.

He is very thoughtful and sentimental like that and I love that about him. He also has a remarkable memory that comes in very handy at times. I have a very bad memory, so I can always ask him to remind me of certain events and details. It's helpful.

I have been reflecting a lot the past couple days about my life and how grateful I am that Rob and I found each other. When I think about the odds that were stacked against us, there is no doubt in my mind that the Lord played a role in our meeting.

November 2nd 1999 is a day I will never forget. My younger brother, Andy had been hounding me for months to come back home (I was living in UT at the time) and meet his friend that had just moved there after graduating from BYU. They had started a band together (that's another post) and Andy raved about his musical talents. I wasn't ready at the time. The pain of my divorce was still fresh and everything just felt so complicated. It wasn't just ME anymore. I had two kids that were my total focus at the time. I drug my feet, but a couple months later I was planning a visit home and made arrangements to meet Rob.

I remember walking in the door of my brother's house and feeling very nervous. Rob was playing guitar and singing one of the songs he had written. I sat down feeling a little awkward but completely taken off guard by a feeling I can't describe. I know it may sound lame, but I literally felt like I knew him.

He played it super cool that night and did an awesome job pretending like he wasn't interested. He has always been the tactful one. He called me the next evening and asked me out and the rest is history.

He loved Caleb and Kennedy and they loved him. I didn't think that men like him existed and I am so grateful for his example to them. He has always treated them like they were his very own. I don't take that for granted because I know it's rare.

This picture was taken on the day of our wedding (January 14, 2000). That day was perfect. I never felt joy like I did that day. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who has always been mindful of me and has shown me countless tender mercies throughout my life. Everybody has their trials and mine have made me who I am today. I wouldn't have it any other way.