Why I Married Your Dad

This one is for my kids. On this Valentine's Day, I want to honour my husband. So, guys, here goes.

When your dad and I met, we were attending the same congregation. He asked me out shortly after I was baptized, but I had another date that week-end, so we didn't get to go out. I remember he wanted to take me to the symphony (big surprise there, ay?). And I thought what a novel idea ... I'd never had anyone ask me to the symphony for a date!

Well, having turned him down, he didn't ask me out again for awhile. I started dating another guy, that was part of the reason. He can tell you more about that phase of our 'not dating yet.'

Then one Sunday, while sitting in Sunday school, your dad made a comment during the lesson. It was a really good comment, too! My girlfriend sitting next to me said, "Wow, I could marry a man like that." So, that was when I first noticed your father. And that brings me to the first and most important thing that attracted me to him ... his spirituality and testimony. I appreciate so much that we can share and talk about our spirituality together. And I learn so much from him. When we read the scriptures together, he doesn't always talk about his thoughts much. But when we do have talk time, mostly in the mornings, he often shares with me insights he is gaining from the scriptures. And he knows that God exists, and that He loves us.

The second thing that attracted me to your dad was his gentle nature. I remember sitting in church another Sunday, and he was holding a friend's little two year old girl on his lap. He was so sweet with her, the quiet way he talked to her and played. Very, very gentle. He could also tease when he wanted to, as you guys well know, but it was always good natured.

Our first date together, we went to a show and then out to dinner with a group of friends. Threadgills in Austin! Yummy. Well, I managed to lock myself out of my condo and Bridget was gone for the night, I think. I had no key and nowhere to go. So your dad just rolled with the punches. He was living with like four other guys at the time - all very fun - and we just sat up talking with them. I kept apologizing for having to stay so long, but I don't think your dad really minded ;-). Your dad also got out a couple of scrapbooks he had and that was fun, looking at the pics. I think finally he drove me out to Nana's and I spent the night there. Or maybe Bridget came home? It was like 2 a.m. or so.

Your dad was looked upon as quite the catch in our ward. He always looked so nice, usually coming from work to ward functions. And you all know, he plays the piano beautifully. That was really nice. He used to ask me to turn the music pages for him when he played in church. Oh, that was quite exciting for two young people developing feelings for each other. Which brings me to another thing I admired about your dad.

His dedication to treating me well. He treated me like a lady when it came to kissing and such, and I appreciated that. As you guys know my standards there, I hope you will understand I am talking about MY standards in that area, and not trying to be judgmental of others' standards. But it did mean a lot to me that he was so respectful of me in a moral way during our dating period.

Another reason your dad was considered a catch was probably because he had a steady job - remember, we were in a student ward, lol! He enjoyed his work and the people he worked with. Supporting his family has always been so important to him. I appreciate that he is willing to fulfill that responsibility. It's meant even more to me as I have become ill and can't help out financially the way I used to, but you know what? We are happy and life is so much less stressful than it was. I am looking forward to ways I can spoil him more at home beyond keeping the house neat and fixing meals. It wasn't until I worked full time that I realized how stressful holding down a job can be at times and how much he needs and deserves for home to be more of a haven for him, a place where he can be appreciated and relax.

Finally, I'll throw this in - the girls in our ward thought your dad had the cutest grin. And he does. Have you noticed how one side of his mouth will curl up when he is tickled about something? Darling oldest son, you have this same trait. I noticed it in you when you were just a few days old. So did Grandma.

I just admire your dad so much. I appreciate him more and more with each passing day. I wish I had always shown him the compassionate kindness he so embodies ... but we weathered whatever tough times and I'm so glad to call your dad my Valentine.