The summer after my freshman year at BYU, I moved back home to Salt Lake but was desperate for a change of scenery. So, when my friend, Marie, called and asked if I was interested in going with her to North Carolina to nanny for the summer, I jumped at the opportunity. I had never been to North Carolina before - and was only vaguely aware that there was a city there called Durham, but I was ready for anything.
I flew to North Carolina a few days before Memorial Day Weekend. It was hot and humid - but so green and beautiful. I loved the southern way of life - the accents, the food and the hospitality. A few days after my arrival, the family I was living with had plans, so they gave me the car and told me to go explore Durham.
The first place I drove (in a very round-about and lost sort of way) was Duke University. I parked the car and went to explore the campus - and let me tell you, Duke had me at hello. I was smitten by that campus. The towering chapel, the gothic architecture, the lush gardens and the majestic trees sunk deep into my heart. I was in love.
As I walked around the campus feeling so inspired and overwhelmed by it all, I tried to figure out a way I could be part of it. I was going to be a sophomore at BYU so transferring didn't seem like an option (oh yeah, and I probably didn't have the grades or test scores to actually get in.) I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to major in as an undergrad, so grad school seemed like a pipe dream. So, as I walked around soaking it all in, I said to myself, "I want to marry someone who goes to this school." From my lips to God's ears; I guess it was at that moment that my fate was sealed.
It was just over five years later that I met Andrew while I was living in Washington, DC. I had pretty much forgotten about that wish I had made as a naïve nineteen-year old girl, but it didn't take long for me recognize something special in Andrew.
This picture was taken pretty early on in our dating, but it's always been one of my favorites. It shows so many of the things I love about Andrew. Look at his confidence and his energy. Look at that smile - and the sense of humor that goes with it. Look at the way I fit perfectly under his arm - feeling loved and protected. Look at how hot he is! And would you check out that t-shirt!
Yep, I fell pretty hard and fast for Andrew. He was funny and smart and righteous and thoughtful and kind. He had killer legs and he went to Duke! He was the total package. He was everything I had been looking for my whole life.
When we got married, I was totally, head-over-heals in love with Andrew. But last week we celebrated our 11th anniversary, and I can tell you, I love him more deeply and more sweetly than I even knew was possible on the day I married him.
This love has come through eleven years of working together, celebrating together, crying together, arguing and reconciling together and trying everyday to remember why we fell in love in the first place. We spent most of our anniversary getting ready for a family party we were hosting on Saturday - but that evening we went to dinner together. As we ate, we talked about some of the things we've accomplished together over the past eleven years - and talked about where we'll be eleven years from now. We laughed, and I cried as I always do when I feel like life is going by way too quickly.
Because here's the thing - eleven years from now, Abby will be nineteen. She'll be the same age I was when I walked across Duke's campus and promised myself I would marry someone who had gone to that school. At the time, I didn't really know what I was wishing for, but I hope that eleven years from now, Abby's nineteen-year old dreams will make her as happy as mine have made me.
I love you Andrew. Happy Anniversary!
