September 28, 1984 and 2000

On this date in 1984 Andrew and I went on our first date. We were Seniors in High School. We went bowling and then to a George Benson concert, and were basically inseparable from that day forward. When I got home that night, I said my prayers and begged Heavenly Father to make Andrew ask me out again! He was so tall and cute. I adored his big green eyes and dark hair and quiet strength. It worked : )
Fast forward to September 28, 2000. He and I were in a hospital room holding our stillborn son. After 4 miscarriages we had spent the whole pregnancy praying for this baby to live. I was also secretly praying that if it was not Heavenly Father's will for this baby to live, to please just let me be able to know if it was a boy or a girl. Not knowing was just torture for me. I had heard the baby's heartbeat just days before we went in on the 28th for an ultrasound. I can see now that our loving Father in Heaven had a plan for our family, and was mercifully allowing me the chance to meet this baby.
Neal A. Maxwell wrote in the August 2000 Ensign:
"Have I had some prayers that were not answered? Yes, and so have you.
Sometimes the reason is that we may ask for something without enough faith, or we may in fact ask for something that isn’t expedient or that isn’t right. For us to get used to the fact that all prayers are not automatically answered is one of life’s growing experiences.
“I know that [God] loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things” (1 Ne. 11:17).
Please, submit your will to God. It is the only gift you’ve got to give. And the sooner it is placed on the altar, the better it will be for all."

My tall, handsome date from 1984 and I have been blessed with an eternal family...I am so grateful for my knowledge of the gospel, the Plan of Salvation, and my firm belief that Heavenly Father loves us, and does hear and answer every one of our prayers. Even if those answers aren't always what WE had in mind!