Day 198: PDA

Didn’t you hate in high school those mushy couples who always felt they had to show off their affection for each other in public settings? Even now, it is uncomfortable watching people who are inappropriately “touchy” or “lovey” out in the open. We refer to this as a public display of affection or PDA. It is a noxious evil that we all encounter occasionally as we are out and about in this life.

So I am sorry to say that today I am going to subject all of you to a public display of affection--right here on my blog. I apologize in advance for any who inadvertently stumble along this post and are subjected to excessive mushiness. Please feel free to sign off now...I won’t be offended...okay, you’ve been warned.

For those that want to continue, today I want to talk a little about my Susie back home. So much of my writing in this blog consists of describing my new home in Afghanistan--the culture, the food, my job, situations I face, journeys I undertake, people I meet, etc. These experiences are an important part of the “deployment experience”. However, “deployment” is much more than what I find as I journey through this strange land. “Deployment” is just as much, if not more, what I have left behind back home. Many of the lessons I have learned and many of the ways in which I have grown, have been a result of leaving behind those I love the most.

Today I have been thinking a lot about Sue--my beautiful wife, my eternal companion, my best friend. Nearly nine years ago, I finally mustered the courage to ask out the girl I had had my eye on for a long time. She miraculously said yes to my invitation and even more miraculously, enjoyed my company. That date led to another and then again another. Soon we were engaged and before we new it we were married. From there it has been a whirlwind--cross country moves, babies being born, sleepless nights, seemingly endless studies, the loss of a beloved father, making new friends only to have to say goodbye. Then came May 26, 2008 and a goodbye to last 452 days. There have been ups and downs. There has been intense joy and moments of pain and sorrow. However, through it all, I have had the greatest blessing of my life to help me through the journey. Sue I am so grateful to a loving Father for blessing me with your companionship. You have brought so much good to my life. You have been an example to me. I am amazed by your talents, abilities, endurance, patience, and willingness to sacrifice. Someday we will review our lives and see the eternal consequences of the choices we have made. Then will be confirmed to me the truth that I already know. The truth that the most important and wise decision I ever made was to take that beautiful, brown haired girl I home taught at BYU, to the Bountiful temple to marry for time and all eternity.


Sue I love you. I miss you more than I can even express. I long for that day when I will return to you and the beautiful children you brought into my life and hold you in my arms again. That day will come--believe it or not, it really will come. Until then, know that I am thinking of you, that I am missing you, and am praying for your safety and happiness. I love you!