Dad

In the fall of 1975 I was about to graduate from BYU. I really liked this beautiful young woman Meriden, but I was not in love with her. I decided that before I moved to Arkansas to take my first job after graduation I would invite her to go with me to Lake Powell and then down to Tempe, and then to visit my brother in San Diego followed by a visit with my cousin in Southern California for his wedding (I was his first man). Then I would take her back to Pleasanton. It seemed really funny that she would have to have her parents permission when she was a grown woman. She shared with me that she believed that if she ever did anything wrong her parents would be able to know through some type of vision. I have wondered at times if that is why she was so perfect. She was a woman who exerted so much energy trying to do what the Lord would have her do.

After two days at Lake Powell I woke up in the morning. I had slept the night in the new boats my parents had just purchased. It was the Moma Doll that we had so much fun with at the Lake for so many years. I was praying fervently and contemplating the question if I should consider marrying this beautiful young woman. I realized that I was not in love with her and came to the conclusion that I would not marry her.

The next day we went to church in Pine. When you drive through the little town there is a museum right in the middle of town on the left side as you're going north. That was the old Chapel and it was very small. It was difficult for even the small congregation to fit in the little Chapel. While listening to the speakers I had the most beautiful feeling sweep over me and I knew for the first time that I was in love with mom. I think I had to get away from BYU and all the distractions to be able to recognize what I really wanted. Two days later we were in Tempe and I had another experience where I felt that I was in love with her.

On the way across the desert driving to San Diego I shared with her some of my most spiritual experiences on my mission. It was at that point that I knew that I wanted to marry her and I expressed my feelings to her. However, I had promised the Lord that I would never make a proposal for marriage without fasting and praying earnestly about the decision. After I spent a few days with her in California I drove back to Provo to take my oral exams for my master's degree. While I was there I had time to earnestly fast and pray and received a wonderful answer to my prayers. After the exams I drove back to Pleasanton and made the proposal official.

What a great blessing she has been in my life. She has also blessed me with the most wonderful children that I love so very much.