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+---
+title: A Date with Eternity
+---
+
+I was in my junior year of the engineering program at Brigham Young
+University when my student ward decided to organize a climb to the top
+of Mount Timpanogos near Provo, Utah. It was in the spring of 1978. The
+snow was gone from the mountain, but the weather was still a little
+unpredictable. Our group of hardy adventurers was composed of fellow
+students, most of whom were good friends. We set out one fine evening
+and took our sleeping bags with us to the trail head at the base of the
+mountain. We planned to sleep under the stars and arise at about 4am to
+get an early start up the mountain.
+
+Lori and I were seriously dating at the time, but we were not yet
+engaged to be married. We both looked forward to sharing the experience
+of climbing the mountain together. The trail was not extremely rugged,
+but the distance to the peak was considerable, at about 7 miles. When
+4am arrived, we all embarked together, anxious to meet the challenge of
+conquering a worthy mountain peak.
+
+Until the sun came up, we had to be careful where we placed our feet on
+the trail because of the darkness. Soon, however, the sun began to rise
+and the beauties of the mountain became visible. The day started
+gloriously and appeared to be likely to offer just the right conditions
+for a day of hiking. Unfortunately, our luck began to rapidly change.
+Before we had arrived at the peak, the clouds began to thicken and it
+started to rain. Our group decided to avoid taking any greater risks in
+the poor weather and chose to abandon our goal to reach the top of the
+mountain. It was a long, cold march in the rain as we trudged back down
+the muddy trail. The mood was a bit somber because our lofty goal had
+been demolished by the weather. We were all quite soaked by the rain and
+thoroughly cold and miserable.
+
+It was under these rather dismal conditions when an impression began to
+form in my mind. This impression would have eternal consequences. I
+began to understand how adversity can often reveal a person's true
+nature. I observed how Lori reacted to our present unfavorable
+circumstances and was quite impressed with how well she held up under
+the trial. She looked like a half-drowned cat, but remained cheerful and
+determined to stay positive. She didn't utter a single complaint or
+allow her mood to turn sour. I realized that her strength of character
+would be a valuable trait in an eternal companion. I began to realize
+how much I needed this kind of influence in my life. The impression grew
+and matured until I asked her to marry me a few months later. That day
+on the mountain, I may have lost the contest with nature, but I found my
+soul-mate. She has been my main source of joy and comfort ever since.