engagement photo 1997 |
I met Andy at the first church activity freshman year at BYU. I was asking boys to sign up for the ballroom dance class I was taking. I was surprised that he said yes and actually signed up. He was really careful not to dance with me too often, lest I would think he took the class because he was interested in me. LOL I got a B+ on the Cha Cha test that I danced with him. My mom thought we should get married though because he was from Illinois where her family lives and we could have a reception out there. I told her that was a silly reason to marry someone. We were just friends, but I gave him a picture at the end of the year. And he left on his mission.
Fast-forward a few years. Andy was back. We took a class together and I started crushing on him. He went home for the summer and I hoped that having a newish car would give him reason to come around. Then over the summer I got engaged to another guy. And then when the new school year started, it started to unravel. I was crushed. I told my roommate that if it ended, the only one that could make me laugh again, feel good about myself again was Andy. She told me that it sounded like I needed him now. But I was engaged and it didn't seem right.
So fast-forward through all that mess... We got together a few months after I ended my engagement. And married 8 months after that. And he did make me laugh again (no surprise to anyone that knows Andy) and he did make me feel good about myself again. And I'd choose him every time.
We have been through lots of jobs, lots of adventures (good and bad), four states, four cars, two apartments, four homes, three wiggly boys. He's my best friend and we can still stay up too late talking. He "gets" me like no one else. He believes in me. And no matter what we face, doing it together is the best part. And he still makes me laugh. And I'd choose him every time. Happy Valentines' Day Andy.
P.S. I scored the jackpot when I married into the Johnson family. They are great people~ inspiring, loving people. I appreciate all the time I get to share with them. It's been the ultimate blessing to call them family and to have them spend time with our boys.