The new school year had started. I was a senior at Blackfoot High School and Thomas was a freshman at BYU. There were a lot of hard things about being over 230 miles away from each other, but we made it work and became even better friends.
Thomas came home nearly every weekend for something or other (it wasn't always for me...but mostly. hehe). The first time he came home was the weekend of the Eastern Idaho State Fair. He also surprised me and took me to the Brad Paisley concert a few days later. It was actually my very first concert (besides a piano, orchestra, or school concert) that I had ever been to. We had such a good time! (and how I wish I had a picture from that night!)
He returned to Utah that night and we settled into our different lives a little more. I was busy with seminary council, work, scholarships, homework, and trying to be there for my family in a time of need. We would talk on the phone in the evenings and although my time privilege was thirty minutes, I was often found abusing it. At times I found it frustrating trying to keep up with everything going on, but I always knew that I had a kind and loving friend in Thomas. He was always there for me, ready to listen and give advice where needed. He got me through some very tough days.
One weekend he came home and a few of us drove up to Rexburg where our friends were attending BYU-Idaho. While hanging out, some of them started playing football in the cold, but eventually we all ended up going to Big Judd's for dinner and warmth. A couple of the guys attempted the one pound hamburger challenge...and lucky me...I ended up sitting right across from them, talk about gross!! On the way home Thomas and I rode in the backseat of a friend's truck. I was so cold and so exhausted from the evening's events that I laid my head on his shoulder and almost fell asleep on the ride home. I don't think he minded...
A few weeks later he came home for another weekend visit and stopped in to see me at work...
We also went bowling with my family and since I just couldn't get enough, I also joined his family at church the next day and then he came with me to mine. We ended up spending almost every single minute together that day...and we took pictures to prove it. :)
On December 2, 2004 I went to Thomas' house to watch him open his mission call. With friends and family gathered around, and even some people on speaker phones, he opened his envelope and read for all to hear: Budapest, Hungary!!
I remember being so incredibly happy for him. I knew, and had known for a very long time, that I wanted to marry a returned missionary. I was so in love with that boy and knew that this was just another step in our journey. I remember trying to feel sad for myself that night, but it just wouldn't come...it was all meant to be.
I saw more of Thomas after mid-December. His semester had ended and he had moved back to Blackfoot. We met up to hang out with friends and at basketball games, but tried not to be alone together too much. You see, one of the rules/advisements for those on seminary council was to not seriously date someone. Our Stake President had also advised those young men who had received their mission calls to quit dating and to focus on preparing for their missions.
Those two things weighed heavy on my mind because I honestly wanted to be obedient to their councils, but Thomas was my best friend and there was nothing anyone could do to make it not be so. Because of these things, I told Thomas that after he got his call I would only kiss him one more time before he left...and it was up to him to choose when he wanted it.
Removing that type of temptation was good for both of us and a good way to prepare us for the two year break. Our friendship became deeper and our love for each other and our Heavenly Father became stronger and more steady. We had chosen to serve Him above our own selfish desires, and because of it we were blessed.
I spent Saturday evening, February 12th, at the school Valentine's dance with some friends. But, of course, I had to see Thomas that day too, so he stopped by my house before I left for the night. My mom was kind enough to take a picture of us. I'm so grateful she did.
That next day was Sunday, the day of Thomas' mission farewell...
and Monday was Valentine's Day...
and Wednesday Thomas would go to the MTC...
only heaven knew what would be in store for me that week...
...stay tuned!
Hey, I think I took that picture in front of the seminary building! Maybe? Maybe not. Also, was there a car-door-hitting-someone's-face incident in this time period or am I getting my dates mixed up?
ReplyDeleteYou did take that picture!! Oh yeah....that was me and that was around this time! Good memory!
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