Girlfriends Don't Wait, Eternal Companions Do

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are all having a great week.

October always brings bitter sweet feelings, even after six years!

Kody and I met on the 24th of July at the Scipio Rodeo. I was about to start my senior year, Kody had just graduated and was waiting for his mission call. Kody received his mission call one week after we met. He was called to serve in Spokane, Washington on October, 13th. I remember getting a phone call from him at cheer practice telling me the news. I was excited for him to serve the Lord, but knew it was going to be a hard “goodbye.”

Kody and I fell in love fast and became inseparable during those short three months. I was totally smitten.

Those 3 months went fast. October came and I knew my life was going to completely change. Even though I had only known him for three months, he was my best friend. He was a huge part in my life. I didn’t know what I was going to do without seeing him everyday.

I remember October, 13th like it was yesterday. It was the day I had to say goodbye for two years. I hurried home from soccer practice and Kody was there waiting at my house. He had a romantic date planned. We drove to Park City and listened to CD’s he made. The songs were all applicable to what we were about to experience. I remember trying not to think of what was ahead, and focus on the there and then. The three hour drive went quickly. We arrived in Park City and ate at Ruth’s Chris. We had the best dinner. When we were about to leave when Kody gave me a promise diamond necklace. He asked if I would wait for him. I told him I would have even if he didn’t ask. There was no way I could find a guy that compared to him. I tried to keep my emotions together as we started the drive home. Kody and I talked about what the next two years would entail, and how we were going to make it through, without being able to talk or see each other. I promised to write him every week and send him packages.

When we got to my house I remember feeling overwhelmed with emotions. I was so happy he was going to serve the Lord, however, I didn’t know how I was going to make it two years without seeing him. (I’m tearing up as I’m typing!)

We were both bawling as we gave each other one last kiss, said I love you, and see you in two. When he closed the door, I ran to my room and collapsed in tears. I prayed to our Heavenly Father that he would watch over us, and help us through the next few years.

The first few months were the hardest. I had to figure out my life without Kody. No one believed I would wait. Many people told me that I would only last 6 months. I was bound to prove them wrong.

Kody and I kept to our word and wrote each other once a week throughout the two years. It was amazing to hear his stories and witness his testimony grow each letter. I knew he was growing spiritually everyday, so I tried to as well. Kody and I agreed that our letters were to uplift each other, not make us miss one another. We were constantly sharing our testimonies together and describing the spiritual experiences we were having. I never wanted to be a distraction to him. We both knew that his entire focus needed to be on his mission and serving the people of Spokane.

I loved getting creative and sending cute packages to Kody. (I wish I had pictures of them all..) My mom was a huge help with this. One of my favorites was ¼ of the way done package. I sent him mini everything: cupcakes, waters, notebooks.. It was adorable!

Times did get tough, especially when I started college. My friends were all dating/kissing boys every night and I was at home studying. To be honest, I became lonely and slightly depressed. I knew I needed to get out and have a social life, so a year after he left I started to date. Every date I went on, I made sure to tell them that I was waiting for a missionary. I compared every guy to Kody, and no one met the mark. A lot of them were great guys, but I knew Kody was the perfect man for me. Kody knew I was dating, and was fine with it. He wanted me to experience college and not stay in my apartment all day and night.

Even though I went on dates, I never kissed another guy. I stayed faithful. I couldn’t imagine looking Kody in the eye when he got home and telling him that I had been unfaithful and kissed someone else. Kody was the second and last guy I will ever kiss:)

I enjoyed my time in college but was very anxious for Kody to return. October, 17 2012 finally came. I was a nervous wreck. Satan was working on me, I was worried he wouldn’t like me. I was scared that the two years of waiting would end up being a waste.

Kody asked if I would go to the airport with his family to pick him up. I spent two months looking for the perfect outfit lol. I got a spray tan and had my hair and nails done. I wanted to make the best impression on him.

The day finally came, and I was sick. I’ve never had so many emotions rushing through my body. Literally, I wanted to throw up the entire drive to Salt Lake. Kody’s parents kept asking if I was alright because I didn't talk the entire drive. We got to the airport and I handed out all the Welcome Home signs I had made. I asked a random guy to wait at the escalator so he could take pictures of us in the moment. Kody stepped on the escalator and my heart jumped. The man I had been waiting for was finally home! I remember looking at him for the first time in two years and thinking it was all worth it. He was the man I was going to spend Eternity with.

After Kody gave his mom and dad a hug he headed my direction. I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted to grab him and give him a big kiss but knew he hadn’t been released as a missionary yet.. I waited for him to make the first move.. He grabbed my hand and shook it.. Yes, I got a handshake. Two years of waiting, for a freaking hand shake haha. The guy taking pictures was not a member of the LDS church and said, “What the HE**, why would you not give her a hug you idiot!” haha I still laugh at that. - I didn’t know what to think at that given moment, however, now I’m grateful he didn’t break the rules. It shows what a valiant missionary he was.

We left the airport, went out to dinner, and drove home. Kody didn’t sit by me in the car ,his little brother had to sit in between us, once again he was still a missionary. It was a super awkward time because I couldn’t be his girlfriend. So, I didn’t know how to act. Let’s just say it wasn’t the day I had been dreaming of..

We all arrived back to his house, Kody and his family left to get Kody released as a missionary. I was left alone in his parents home and had a major break down. (I sound super dramatic Lol) But really, it was such a roller coaster of a day. I had literally been dreaming about this “perfect” day for two years, and so far, it was nothing like how I had pictured it.

Kody and his family came home and I finally had the moment I had been waiting for. Kody came in the door and gave me a big hug and said I love you! Thank you for waiting:) My heart melted.

Kody and I went for a drive and talked for hours. It was the perfect night. He drove me home and gave me another hug. I asked him if he was going to kiss me, so he finally dared lean in and gave me a peck on the lips. (super unlike Kody haha-he’s usually so smooth!) .

The rest is history. We were engaged two weeks later, and married two months later.

The Mission was the best thing for our relationship. We grew in a way that most couples never will. We were able to fall in love and get to know each other through letters. It was not easy but so worth it. I’m extremely grateful for the time we had to grow individually and as a couple. Our relationship would not be where it is today without those two years.

If you are a girl in waiting, stay strong. They do come home and it is worth it! Remember Girlfriends Don't Wait, Eternal Companions Do.

XOX0

Below are pictures of us dating:)