Tag, October 10th is a big day for both of us. Three years ago on this very afternoon, I stepped into my car in Salt Lake City, Utah and drove one hour south to a place called Woodland Hills on a blind date. I remember quite a few times on that drive thinking to myself, "What am I doing driving this far for a
blind date...?"
Let me tell you, I had completely different thoughts as I drove home later that night.
Here's a little background: My divorce had just recently become final and I was in no mood to jump back in to a relationship with another female, as the freedom from the nightmare of the first marriage had not even begun to offer its savory aftertaste. A friend of mine encouraged me to create a profile on several LDS singles websites and I had done so for a few months, mostly just for laughs. I received quite a few inquiries from several females immediately after creating my profile and joked with my friends that it felt like the "Mormon DMV", as the cross-section of inquiries were less than desirable.
After a few months I started browsing the list to see if I might find anyone I could meet who didn't find
me repulsive, and your Mom's profile was one of the first I stumbled upon. She had a few photos posted, one showing her just after playing tennis. Since my first wife accused me of misleading her about my faith in Christ because I had gone to see a Denver Broncos game on a Sunday (I hadn't been to a game for more than 25 years -- one of my favorite memories of childhood), I was determined to make certain any new female I met was a little more flexible.
I wrote a quick email message to your Mom (the site used confidential user names rather than actual names, so I wasn't sure of her real name) and she wrote back something that made me laugh, so I invited her to go have a golf lesson. She accepted.
I showed up to Woodland Hills on a beautiful fall day, sun shining. When your Mom got out of her car at the meeting place, I was stunned at how beautiful she was. "She's prettier than even her pictures! When does
that ever happen?" -- I remember thinking to myself. We said hello and and drove to nearby Gladstan Golf Course to hit some balls on the range. We had a great time and I remember laughing and being completely at ease.
A key difference in my mental attitude, vs. other times in my life, was that I wasn't trying to impress her per se. Instead, I was just being myself and having a good time meeting someone new. This shift in my attitude had come through the pain of my divorce and subsequent humble time on my knees, praying to God, and surrendering my personal life to him just a few weeks earlier. During this extremely personal conversation with the Lord, I had a very special experience where the spirit called me by name and said that everything would be all right. I remember all my pain, anger and anguish leaving my heart at that moment and I knew I had had an answer to my prayer and decided from that point to simply walk the path and see what might happen.
Anway, Joann and I had a great time on the driving range and decided to drive into Payson for a little mexican food. We really enjoyed talking and getting to know each other. During that dinner I learned that she, too, had been divorced more than 10 years earlier and had two sons, Jordan and Michael. Jordan was 15 and living with his father in Twin Falls, Idaho, and Michael, 12, was still living with her but was staying the night at a friend's house. I sensed in her a strong inner strength and confidence and I was immediately attracted to these fine qualities.
After eating she invited me up to where she lived to have some homemade ice cream and peaches. Who would turn down
that offer! There, I was introduced to her landlords, Ingrid and Michell, who lived upstairs as we borrowed a movie. They gave me suspicious greetings and I felt how much they loved Joann.
As far as love goes, Joann and I had chemistry immediately. In fact, as we turned on the movie she came out of the kitchen with her delicious home-made ice cream and fresh peaches and sat so close to me on my right, that I was barely able to move my elbow enough to hold my bowl. Good thing I was left-handed, because I wasn't about to ask her to give me any room!
The rest of the evening I experienced the most chemistry I had ever had in my life and you'll have to ask your Mother about any other significant details. I drove home well after midnight and remember thinking to myself, "
This could be trouble." ...And I was right.
Within just a few short months, we fell in love and the rest is history. So, you see, 10/10 (2007) is a very special day for you and me. From this experience I learned the amazing power of prayer and that the Lord will bless us beyond our wildest dreams if we will be humble, surrender our righteous desires to Him, and ask Him for help, instead of thinking we've got it all figured out and can crank through life on our own.
If you'll remember this important lesson, son, you'll avoid making mistakes on the most important decisions in your life. In fact, you may even meet the girl of your dreams when you least expect it!
Love, Mitch.
PS. Here's a photo of us on our 2nd date, just after playing our own game of tennis. Is she cute or what?
