Six years ago today, Christian and I were sealed for time and eternity. I am writing this to let everyone know how we met and what an amazing man Christian is...for those of you who don't already know!We met at the Boise LDS institute while we were attending Boise State University. My friend, Kate, and I were sitting at a table eating lunch. For some reason, the lunch room at the institute was full that day and there was no where else for people to sit. Two guys walked up and asked if they could sit at our table.
Kate and I ate our lunches and were having our incredibly interesting conversation and these two guys were sitting at the other end of the table having their own conversation. Pretty soon Kate and I noticed that these guys were having a friendly argument and we kind of stopped talking and were trying to figure out what the issue was.
Just then they looked at us and said, "Can you help us? We are trying to figure out which animal cracker this is." Because of this, Robert Ormand, Kate Johnson, Christian Hooper and I became friends. We would eat together and had fun at the institute the rest of the semester!
Of course I was NOT interested in dating at the time and Christian and Robert were pre-missionaries and so they were "safe." Christian left on his mission and I pretty much forgot about him. (sorry honey, but it's true!) A little over a year later I was walking into the institute to talk to some friends and this missionary looking guy stopped me. It was Christian! (He had gotten sick and had to come home early for sinus surgery and IV's.)
Then a mutual friend asked me to go to his missionary homecoming with her. I don't remember it much...except I remember there were a LOT of girls there to see him. We didn't really talk much and he ended up getting engaged to his girlfriend. Shockingly enough it didn't work out!
Christian was sick, had a broken engagement and all his friends were on missions. Another mutual friend called me up and asked if I could invite him to hang out with my friends and so I did and the rest is history! Thanks to Amanda (Crawford) Gepford two friends ended up getting married!
Christian is amazing, and he never ceases to impress me. He is one of the most kind, thoughtful men I know. He is so patient with me and my laundry list of faults; he's exactly the man I need.
For those who don't know, Christian has Cystic Fibrosis (CF). This has some drawbacks, but thankfully not much. From the time that we have been engaged to now (about 6 1/2 years) we have moved three times, he has had five or six sinus surgeries, a few hospital stays, a port removal operation, blood clots, and many, MANY doctor's visits.
Sometimes it's hard to see him hurt so much...especially after his surgeries, but it's also great to see him doped up on the pain killers! If anyone has yet to experience that, let me know and I can show you a video of Christian on Demoral...it's hilarious!
He is always thinking of me and what I need or want. He is my best friend. We love to be around each other and we love to make each other laugh. I enjoy watching America's Funniest Home Videos with him because he laughs SO hard that I can't help but laugh hard too.
My house work or any project always goes smoother and is more fun if he can be there. He puts up with my constant worrying and high stress levels. Christian always pushes me to better myself, which is why I've started school again. If he wasn't there to push me, I don't know when I would have gone back!
Christian doesn't let his illness hold him back. He currently is bringing home the bacon, which has allowed me to only work part-time (for insurance) and go to school. I am so grateful for a man who is such a hard worker. He doesn't like laying around doing nothing, which is sometimes a bummer for me, especially on vacations!
He has a wonderful testimony and has helped me grow personally. He has been wonderful for my family, especially my Dad. I wish that those who have not met Christian could, so that they can see what an incredible man he is. To see all the trials he has to go through every day to stay alive, makes me realize how blessed I am to have a "healthy" body. He is an inspiration to me.
I love you Christian! Happy 6th Anniversary.
Happy 27th Birthday (on the 18th)!
