Mapping the Course of Love

L to R- Map of Memphis, Tn,  then Provo, UT and finally Kensington, MD

This is the TN map. I actually lived in Gernamtown, TN and Jon lived in Cordova, TN. Our
homes were about 15 minutes apart but we were in different wards and different stakes. Both of our
 wards met in the same building. I remember seeing a picture of Jon in the cabinet that displayed all
the missionaries that were currently serving missions. I remember thinking, "He is handsome!"

I admit that the title I gave this post is completely and utterly corny.

Today for my Valentine's gift Jon created these three maps, and as you can see the maps were cut into heart shapes.  I haven't asked him who cut those out but I find it very sweet if he actually cut out a heart shape. The last time he probably did that was in grade school. These three maps represent some important times in our lives.

The first map is where we met- Memphis, Tennessee. There was a group of young adults going to Greers Ferry, Arkansas for the weekend. The plan was to boat, ski and jump from cliffs. I went to pick someone up, it was actually Jon's cousin, and Jon was there to come along. He was just home from his mission (about three weeks). On our way that day I noticed Jon from the perfect view I had of him in my rearview mirror. We spent that weekend mostly together in Greers Ferry, Arkansas and dated from then on.

The second map is where we were married- Kensington, Maryland in the Washington D.C. Temple, March 30, 1985. While living in Memphis, TN the closest temple was Atlanta but we both wanted to be married in the D.C. temple. I had gone through that temple when I was in 5th grade for the open house and had remembered going through the area where the brides got ready. It was a vision I had had since that time. Jon's family lived in northern Virginia for most of Jon's life and he remembered as a young boy removing rocks from the site where the temple was to be built and was also there for the open house and dedication.

The third map is where we started our family- Provo, Utah. Rachel came into our family on July 14, 1986. It was an amazing feeling to be starting a family of my own. Jon and I really had a lot of fun with our first child. We went a lot of places with her, didn't take life too seriously and played with her a lot.

Building a life together full of love has not been easy or perfect. But it is in this marriage relationship that I have experienced my most joys and learned the most about myself. I love you, Jon.

Happy Valentines Day!!