Recently my Sister-in-Law posted a link to a blog written by a certain person, no names, for convenience sake we will call her "AD". AD was my wife's roommate our Freshman year in college. As I read her posts, posted comments on both blogs, and reflected on old times I came to the realization that I needed to devote a little more blog space to her. I can honestly say that there is no one outside my family that has had a more profound impact on my life. In some ways I'm sure she is aware of it, others perhaps not.
To set the stage for ya, as I said we were in our Freshman year at the University of Arizona. We both lived in the Arizona-Sonora Dorm, a Co-ed building, me on the 8th floor, her (and my future wife) on the 9th. We saw each other at church, were friendly, and occasionally walked to the institute together if coincidence arose. I think I was her home teacher from the start of the year but it doesn't matter when that assignment was made, it was never completed. Little did I realize that she would impact my life so much... maybe I would have done my home teaching sooner.
It was the Fall of 1990 and I was away from home and the support of my Twin Brother for the first time. With that freedom what did I do? With my new found friends I started playing on a flag football team... on Sundays. The second Sunday in the league I was waiting with half a dozen other guys for the elevator to take the ride down. When the door opened there was already one passenger in the elevator. She was dressed in her Sunday best, carrying her scriptures, going where she was supposed to be. AD didn't say a word to me on that elevator, she didn't need to. I'd like to say I went back upstairs, changed, and went to church, but I didn't. I did however quit that day and didn't miss another week of church until probably after my mission some time. Who knows if that would have actually lead to inactivity but in my time of weakness, her silent example spoke volumes...
Little did I know she was also introducing her roommate to the Book of Mormon. Her faith, testimony, and willingness to open her mouth to her roommate altered my life forever. When I finally got up the courage to ask her roommate out I think AD was relieved. I'm pretty sure she knew I liked Jamie before probably even myself. She was there helping me and Jamie's fledgling romance take root on many the double date. (Picking out each other's outfits in the mall, peeing on fires on Mt. Lemmon, all night study sessions to name some of the highlights) When I left on my mission she was the one I asked to look out for Jamie. Okay, so allowing Jamie to go sledding and then introducing her to her boyfriend's best friend were both near disasters for me but other than that, she did fine. Ultimately it was seeing her happy marriage that even played a roll in convincing us to move up our wedding date by 6 months to a date only 6 weeks in the future.
Finally, at our wedding, AD supported Jamie where not even I could. Escorting Jamie through the temple as her only "family" meant so much to me. I had so many people around me as the youngest of 8 children. My full support cast was in place but it was AD that helped my wife through that day while Jamie's mom and dad waited for us outside. I can't imagine how hard that must have been and although we haven't discussed it much, I'm sure the familiar face and support of an old roommate provided much comfort.
"AD" I hope you know how thankful I am for the many ways you have touched my life. I apologize that I wasn't a better home teacher (I'm still pretty bad at that). Your courage, faith, and love have altered my life to the better, forever.
