... and then, Marcy got me....

The next two years were interesting. I was in the MTC for about 10 days when I received my first care package from Marcy. As I recall, there was a red skinny tie, some books about missionary work, and a quick note. That started the "Campaign". Over the next 2 years, we would correspond by mail about 22 times back and forth. Marcy staying aloof and being generic and supportive, me writing about my adventures in England.

In my first area, I had learned that Marcy had moved to Orem, UT. I had a flat mate who was going home. I asked him to hand deliver a cassette tape that I had made for her. I asked him to "return and report" and let me know if she was "waiting" for me. I will let Marcy tell you that story, but to say that it had a dramatic impact would be understating the fact.

After I had been out a little over a year, I decided to write an emotional letter asking for Marcy to share her feelings for me. The next letter I received let me know that she was not interested in sharing her feelings with me. I sent back a letter telling her that I just wanted to know. In that letter I wrote something to the effect of "That I could always find other prospects willing to share their feelings". That was the last letter sent between us for about 4 months..... Whoops!

In September of 1991, the letters started trickling in again, and we re-established a healthy regimen of platonic letters and correspondence. As the time got closer for me to be done with my mission, the letter frequency increased on both of our parts. Then, at my last zone conference, I received a "care package" from her and in it, "The holy grail" of a missionary. I opened it up in the chapel and wrapped in bubble wrap was a "HOT" posed photo of Marcy. (It was her best senior pose.) An Elder came up behind me and said "Whoah - who is that?" I sat there with the wind knocked out of me and said... "I believe, my future wife". I can't remember what else was sent, in my mind it didn't really matter. I had the beautiful smile of my future spouse to look at when ever I needed a fix!

January 28, 1992, I finally made my way home from Manchester, England - Chicago-O'hare - Denver - Salt Lake City - Reno - Portland. (The flight was free - so I shouldn't complain.) I was the last one off the plane - for effect. My family was there and a few friends from my YSA ward. No Marcy. "She must be working" I told myself. I found out that my Stake President wasn't available to release me until the next evening, so I had 24 hours to "hang" at home and re-acclimate myself to having a family. That evening, my family and I met with President Shriner and I was officially released. On the way home, we stopped at Safeway to grab some ice cream to celebrate.

When we got home, there was a red Toyota Corolla in the driveway. I didn't recognise the car. My dad said "wait here", I'll go check it out. Then he called from the door - "All clear!" So we all walked in nonchalant like. When I walked in the door, my jaw dropped, and my heart leaped. There standing before me in a form fitting black dress with gold buttons, was.....Marcy!

My world, from that day forward was changed forever. To say that I wasn't ready for the meeting yet would be putting it mildly. Marcy was nervous, I was scared to death! I had to excuse myself to the back bathroom and wash my face with water and do a lot of self talk in the mirror. I was a wreck! Out in the family room, my little sisters were all just staring and smiling at Marcy. My dad said later, he was afraid that she was going to "bolt". After about half an hour, I was composed enough to do more than just stand there. We sat and made nice. Finally, we decided to get away - to the convenience store at the freeway, which had some tables and booths. Nice, huh? We talked for a bit and I told her I was not ready for her yet and that I had some "exploration" left to do. She took me back to my house and we talked some more. At about midnight, she made me close my eyes and receive a gift from her. She presented me with a cross stitch of my mission complete with all of my areas in it. It was a beautiful labor of love.

Then.....We kissed. Sweet, wet and long! At that point, I was hers. Hook, line and sinker!

I never partook of my celebratory ice cream. I didn't care.

It was 6 days later that I asked Marcy to marry me. After a whirlwind engagement of 3 1/2 months, on May 15th, 1992, we started our eternity together.

Happy 18th anniversary Marcy. I love you more today than I did yesterday, but not as much as I will tomorrow!