15 Years

Today marks the 15 year anniversary of the day I first set eyes on the man who would become my husband. I remember the date because it is the day before my sister's birthday and I was to play violin in a talent show at my high school that night. I even remember what I was wearing when I said good-bye to those two missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints because I had changed into my talent show dress -- a nice sleeveless khaki-colored buttoned-up princess style dress from American Eagle. I still have that dress, but I don't wear it sleeveless anymore -- too bad since I have awesome upper arms.

Anyway, as many of you know, I was not attracted to J at all for the longest time. My first impression of him was that he was one of the funniest looking kids I'd ever seen. Why did the Church keep sending those impossibly tall blond Utahns out to NJ? Did he ever stop smiling? Why was every facial feature of his so round? His nose, his nostrils, his huge green eyes, his glasses -- all round except for his wide, curving smile that seemed to have an extra bend or two to it. He talked so slowly that I thought maybe he wasn't quite all there. What struck me was the Spirit he carried with him. The Spirit that was responsible for the constant smile, the strength, peace, and quiet humility I felt flowed from him.

J was not attracted to me at first, which is good and proper, since he was serving a mission at the time. He told me later that when he first saw me he thought I looked like a preying mantis. Of course, he hastily adds,"But they were my favorite insect when I was growing up!"

We kept in contact through letters for the duration of his mission and after. I admired his neat handwriting, and the sketches that always worked their way into the margins of the letters -- mostly of the mountains he loved. Somehow I found my best friend in my pen pal. It seemed only natural that when I came out to Utah for school we would hang out. By then I had his heart snagged and he was incurably in love with me, but it took a little more time for me to come around.

I remember distinctly a time he came to pick me up from the airport after a winter break in NJ. I had spent that time showing my friends a picture of him and telling them,"This is the guy I'm kind of dating. He's funny-looking, I know." To which they would reply,"Oh my gosh, no way! He is so hot!" I broke through the crowd of people waiting in the terminal and there he was -- hat on his head, white Cisco Systems T-shirt on under a lined blue plaid shirt. My heart gave an almighty leap, turned a somersault, and fell fathoms deep in love with him. My friends were right -- he was hot! I know they say love is blind, but for me, it seemed the other way around. Love gave me sight. I knew I couldn't do without him.

He's out of town this week, so I texted him,"Hey. Happy Meeting Day Anniversary. It's been an interesting 15 years" to which he replied,"It has been a good 15 years with you. Thank you for your patience with me." Well, you're welcome, J. No, just kidding. I don't know what he means. If anyone's had to be patient with anyone, it's he with me. I miss him a lot this week and can feel that I'm on the verge of a whole smarmy, sappy, love post, so I'll quit while I'm ahead. That'll be the post for November when we celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary!