Today is Valentine's Day and I wanted you all to know some things about your Dad and Dad-in-law. Brent was born and raised in Southern California. When he was in the 5th grade our family moved from Arizona to Garden Grove, Calif. and became members of Garden Grove 5th Ward the same as Dad's family. I was in 3rd grade. One time during a YW/YM activity (it was called Mutual back then) we played the game "Twister" as part of a group and really enjoyed ourselves. One Halloween during a Mutual dance, Brent came dressed as the Jolly Green Giant (the frozen vegetable company mascot) right down to the green tights and the leaf hat. Grandma Barlow & your Dad designed it together. He was tall and skinny then and it was the best Halloween costume there. I was aware of him on and off for many years, I know this will surprise you, but he never spoke very many words to me and even though he was the cutest guy in the ward it is difficult to maintain a crush on a person who is so silent.
One sacrament meeting in March, Brent was speaking during the meeting for his missionary farewell. It was during the Vietnam war and the church understated going on missions, so Dad was just a speaker during the regular meeting. I was the youth speaker. I think we sat by each other. After the meeting I asked him if I could write him on his mission and he said yes. That began a 2 year correspondence between the two of us. I still have all the letters he sent me and all the letters I sent him.
He came home from his mission the first part of April, we went on our first date April 16 (we celebrate it every year), became engaged June 27th and married Sept 6, 1974.
This year we celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. The longer we are married, the more we love each other and the more humor becomes more important. Jen can remember a time when she had to come upstairs and tell us to be quiet, we were laughing so loud, she couldn't sleep.
As some of you all ready know, he is the smartest man in the world, the very, vest father and the kindest husband there is. He is still my best friend and I love doing things with him more than any other person. He is compassionate, helpful, he does the dishes each night for me, he is the reason I was able to increase my intelligence and confidence. He supports me in everything I want to do or think I want to do. When I decided to work last year as an ASL translator, he spent hours and hours helping me learn and memorize signs and shoring up my very real fear of failing. There are no words to describe my appreciation and love for him. I chose the best for you all and I am glad you seem to know that.
One sacrament meeting in March, Brent was speaking during the meeting for his missionary farewell. It was during the Vietnam war and the church understated going on missions, so Dad was just a speaker during the regular meeting. I was the youth speaker. I think we sat by each other. After the meeting I asked him if I could write him on his mission and he said yes. That began a 2 year correspondence between the two of us. I still have all the letters he sent me and all the letters I sent him.
He came home from his mission the first part of April, we went on our first date April 16 (we celebrate it every year), became engaged June 27th and married Sept 6, 1974.
This year we celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. The longer we are married, the more we love each other and the more humor becomes more important. Jen can remember a time when she had to come upstairs and tell us to be quiet, we were laughing so loud, she couldn't sleep.
As some of you all ready know, he is the smartest man in the world, the very, vest father and the kindest husband there is. He is still my best friend and I love doing things with him more than any other person. He is compassionate, helpful, he does the dishes each night for me, he is the reason I was able to increase my intelligence and confidence. He supports me in everything I want to do or think I want to do. When I decided to work last year as an ASL translator, he spent hours and hours helping me learn and memorize signs and shoring up my very real fear of failing. There are no words to describe my appreciation and love for him. I chose the best for you all and I am glad you seem to know that.
6 comments:
The jolly green giant Brent? Now there is a way to impress the ladies! Though you realize in sharing this story we will now expect better Halloween costumes out of you. :)
So fun to hear all the nice things you love about your spouse. I love a lot of those qualities too because they have been passed to Ryan. And probably Maddie's obsession with the Rubik's cube and puzzles. :) Happy Valentine's Day Brent and Syl!
I always love hearing those how we met stories. Nat always tell ours with far more embellishment than I a comfortable with but it's still fun to hear his version
That is definitely true that Dad is the best Dad ever. He is so patient and we all learned so much cause he would take the time to teach us.
I am sure that he was an amazing father but what is the definition of vest? Just kidding I love to hear the success of your marriage, I am so glad that you have had such triumphs, and persevered though life so that you could raise such great children, and invite me into your family. I am so glad to be a part of it, and so excited to know the smartest man in the world, which reminds me Gwen has been asking for an autograph if you get some free time.
Syl thanks for sharing I love to hear new and fun things about you and Brent. Oh and Brent do you still have those tights by any chance?
That made me tear up! Maybe it's just the pregnancy-- but that was so sweet! Yours is a marriage to emulate. I always loved going to your house to visit, there's a really nice feeling there.
I loved the story but I did notice the crush on the best friend was not mentioned nor the birthday party where he brought you a bottle??? Anyway I have to say I agree Dad is the best. I tried to find a man who had the qualities dad did, little did I know how close I got.
Jen
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