Benson and I first met when I was the tender age of 15, Benson 17. I had my two best buds...Mikayla and Ali (my cousin). We went everywhere together, where there was one there was the other. As high school would have it we were always "sluffing" class, hanging out, driving around and causing trouble. As softball season would roll around in the early months of spring I wasn't able to skip class anymore with my buddies (my coach checked our attendance EVERY DAY). So I was left to go attend EVERY class I had while my girls would go on their adventures. One snowy day Mikay and Ali were chilling in the Provo High School parking lot waiting for my sorry butt to get out of class to join them. Mikayla (an aggressive driver) was pulling out of her parking spot as I was walking out of the school building, her back windshield all fogged up. She couldn't see the van that was behind her....and WHAM!!! She has backed into a green Ford Astro van. I watch as the passengers of both cars got out to examine the damage done. A tall dark and handsome boy gets out of the drivers side of the van and everyone starts busting up laughing. Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome and his passenger examined the cars and their was only a scratch and a small dent to the van. Nothing was done to the silver Altima. I am walking towards this little shin dig in the parking lot laughing and shaking my head. I had known the passenger of the green van but did not know his Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome friend. Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome's smile instantly caught my eye and we were slightly introduced. This sweet boys name was Benson Purcell.
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| Look at that smile...and dimple. |
Benson had asked me to my first Prom. It was his Senior Prom so I felt so special as a little sophomore to be going with a Senior Football Player (and a starter at that)!!! It was the best night of my life. I had a beautiful dress, handsome date/boyfriend, and an amazing group. Our day date was a BBQ at the park and playing outside games. Benson came to pick me up and we HAD to take ALL the pictures in the world. Benson was a gentleman and opened the door for me and helped me shove my dress in the car all 12 layers of tulle!!!We went to Tucano's for dinner with our group and finally went to the Provo Library for the dance. As our turn came to parade ourselves down the library front stairs a loud cheer from the crowd below came out when our names were read (I think it was for Benson more than myself...but it felt good anyways). Finally the night came to an end with a sweet kiss at my door step and a tight hug goodnight.
Finally graduation came in May of 2006 my sweet Samoan boy graduated high school and went to move on to bigger and better things beyond high school. He was accepted into BYU but then transferred to BYUH. I was devastated, but I knew it was what needed to happen and we went our separate ways.
We hadn't talked in 3 months and one day out of the blue I was picking up my friend from a doctors appointment, a familiar but not heard in a long time ring tone came from my phone. I was in shock!!! It was my Benson calling from Hawaii!!! I answered my phone almost in tears, I missed my Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome. The conversation was short and superficial but it felt good to hear him again. I knew right then I was still in love with my high school sweet heart. He came home a few month later and we decided to start dating again.
On a beautiful day in June 2010 Benson proposed to me. Benson rented out a whole local restaurant and decorated it. He and his buddies made a very yummy dinner for him and I to share by candle light. We talked for a little bit and next thing I knew Benson was on one knee fumbling to get the ring box out of his pocket. I started crying and he finally pulled it out and ask "Will you marry me?" Of course I said "Yes!!!" I was so excited!!! After 5 years of dating off and on again we are truly sure we were meant for each other. I was so excited that we were going to be married for time and ALL ETERNITY. We prepared long and hard to be married in the Latter Day Saint Mt. Timpanogos Temple.
A totalled car, 2 wedding dresses and a few times moved wedding date later our wedding days...(yes days we split it up into a 2 day event October 8-9, 2010) came around. We were married the 8th at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple, then had our AMAZING reception on the 9th. It was the most amazingly perfect 2 day event EVER. Everything went perfect (compared to the previous days). I can't believe how perfect it was. Thank you to all who planned, practiced, and put up with me being a bridezilla. It was the most beautiful and fun wedding I had ever attended and it was my own wedding!!!
Our journey has been long but looks like we made it. I truly love my sweet heart Benson so much and still can't get over his amazing smile. My heart melts everytime I see him. I hate when he's away, I get so lonely and bored. He helps out so much his great work ethic and hard working attitue. I've never known a man that loves his family so much he would do ANYTHING to take care of them. I know I am so blessed to have him in my life and as my eternal companion. I can't wait until he gets to be a daddy in a few short months and to have our own little family grow. I know he is heaven sent just for me. He evens me out and definitly is my better half. I love you always and forever my Benson. AGAPE LOVE.
