Five Years Ago...

On March 10, 2006 I met Brandon.  I didn't know his last name, how old he was, or much else about him, really, but by the end of the night I was fairly certain that he was someone special.

On March 18, Brandon and I went on our first date...a date that lasted 12 hours, but seemed more like 2 hours because I was enjoying myself so much.  We went to the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus because he knew how much I loved flowers.  I took a picture of him there because I wanted to show my mom what he looked like, but I didn't want him to know I was taking his picture, so all you see is the back of his head.  Brandon still teases me that I took a picture of his "backside" on our first date.  Then we went to Half Price Books, an antique store, a greek restaurant for lunch, volunteered for the Special Olympics bowling event, went to Deer Creek State Park, Larry's Pizza (in his hometown...bbq chicken pizza, in case you were wondering), and then I met his dad and some of his brothers.  One of his brothers had nearly burned down their barn that day...his dad still had some soot on his nose.  All in one day.

On March 21st, Brandon met my parents.  It was a very awkward dinner.  I'd never brought anyone home to meet my parents before because I'd been out in Utah doing most of my dating.  The kitchen table was fully extended with my parents at either end, and Brandon and I were across from each other on the other sides.  My mom couldn't stop beaming...to the point where she hardly spoke.  Awkward.  My dad kept grilling Brandon on airplanes.  Brandon knew all the right answers.  

Over the next week and a half, we went to a Milford High School play with my parents, went sight-seeing in Columbus, and Brandon told me he loved me.  Unsure of how to respond, I said, "thanks!"  (Poor Brandon was devastated by my response!)

Then on March 31, we talked about marriage and decided to talk to our parents about it and then fast about it two days later on Sunday April 2, 2006 during General Conference.  While I was sitting with my parents at their home on March 31, we were making small talk and watching tv.  Finally I shouted, "I can't take it anymore!"  My parents stared at me like I was crazy.  I probably was!  I told them that Brandon and I were wanting to get married.  My mom was all, "I know."  I was shocked because I didn't even know until that day!  

On April 1st, Brandon called me.  He said he had talked to his parents about us getting married, and they weren't too thrilled.  I was devastated.  Then he said, "April Fools.  They're happy for us."  That night he came down to Milford to have a conversation with my dad.  In his office.  For thirty L-O-N-G minutes, according to Brandon.  After threatening Brandon that if he ever did anything to hurt me, so help him...my dad gladly gave his blessing.  Then they went to Priesthood Session together.  My mom and I went shopping for clothes...and rings.

On April 2, 2006, Brandon and I watch General Conference together with his family at their home in Mt. Sterling, OH.  In between sessions, Brandon and I prayed together for confirmation that marriage was the right choice for us.  It was!  He kept kneeling while I stood up, and said some fairly sentimental stuff (teary-eyed, I might add), but I don't remember a word of it (nor was I teary-eyed).  I said, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

We picked out the ring (that my mom and I had already picked out) the next day.  It was a sapphire with little diamonds on either side...just like I'd always wanted.

These five years have been great, Brandon Brooks!  Thanks for asking me!