Ten Years

Ten years ago today I made the best choice I have ever made.

Those of us who are lucky enough to have found "the one" probably get the question, "How did you know he was 'the one?' " I didn't know until I chose him.

When Jeff and I were dating, I knew I loved him. If you've read my blog, you already know that part of the story. For those newcomers, here is a quick summary: I thought I KNEW I was going on a mission, so Jeff and I broke up. And the three weeks that followed that break-up were painful and hard and miserable, to say the least. I was so confused about why I wasn't feeling any peace. And then I went to visit my bishop.

He told me that trying to choose between two things presented just that--an opportunity to choose. And he gave me some great counsel. He told me not to feel bad if I chose Jeff, that making a decision to marry a wonderful man in the temple wasn't the wrong decision. But it was a decision I needed to be willing to make. And that changed everything for me. I realized that I could choose Jeff, and maybe that was what I should have realized all along. I knew by choosing Jeff I was giving up everything--and everyone--else. But it suddenly felt right. And luckily for me, he was willing to take me back.

And on August 19, 2000 we chose to make it official. And I know now, better than I did then, that it was the best choice I could have ever made.

Here is one reason I am so sure. A couple of years ago, we were at a Valentine's Day party where we were playing the Newlywed Game (the fact that Jeff agreed to do that proves that he really loves me:). The question the boys answered, the one that we were trying to match, was "Which person, living or dead, would you like to have lunch with?" Typical question. But I couldn't think of anyone Jeff would want to have lunch with. I don't even remember who I came up with, but I was wrong. He looked at me, as though he couldn't believe I didn't guess it, and showed me his card. It said, "Krystal." Nothing he could have ever said meant more to me than that. Out of anyone in the world, living or dead, he wanted to spend time with me. The person he saw more than anyone else.

How could I possibly have made a better choice than Jeff? The answer: I couldn't. And that's why I am so lucky.

Here we are at Snowbird, where we celebrated our anniversary this year. It was also the place we celebrated our first anniversary. And this time around we have exactly 2 more pictures than the first time.

Happy anniversary Jeff! I love you!