Twenty six wonderful years!

Twenty six years ago I knelt across the altar in the Los Angeles temple and gave myself to a wonderful man for eternity. I was 18. Many say that at 18 you are not mature enough to make such a commitment and I'm not sure I would recommend it for everyone. I definitely was not polished and refined at 18 but I knew a good man when I saw one and we were both willing to work together. Now 26 years, five children, a daughter and son in law and one grandbaby later we are still working, playing and rejoicing together. This wonderful man has brought me more joy and more growth than would have been possible on my own. Twenty six years ago I was not searching for a husband - I was going to get my degree and go on a mission - but Heavenly Father had other plans for me - and Mark was praying to find the right person for him for which I will be eternally greatful. Last year he took me back to the place we decided we should get married - the bridge from the BYU law school to the Wilkinson Center. Twenty six years ago there was no formal proposal - just a wonderful discussion about the possibilities and a mutual agreement that this life and what lies beyond is an adventure we wanted to embark on together. Last year he took his unsuspecting bride of 25 years back to that bridge and dropped to his knee and officially proposed. He also gave me the ring he had wanted to give me way back then but couldn't afford - with a place for my original diamond. The answer would have been YES, had I been able to speak at that moment...

I love you and look forward to the next 26 years and beyond!