When my missionary left two years ago, I swore to myself I would never even look at other boys. I was 100% ready to buckle down and wait and not date for two whole years. I made it quite a ways... and then started college, where I was heavily encouraged to date. After a lot of inner conflict, I finally decided that life didn't just stop because he was gone. So, I decided to date.
Jake is home now. I have never been so happy in my entire life!!! As I have been pondering and reflecting on the past two years, a lot of people have asked me if I regret dating around while I was writing a guy as amazing as Jake.
The answer is no. I wouldn't change anything about the last two years. The friendships I have made and the experiences I had have shaped me into who I am.
I did date. I dated a lot in college and even had a really serious relationship toward the end. But that did not change how I felt about Jake one bit. I never loved him less. I never stopped missing him. And that was something I realized toward the very end -- there was absolutely nobody like him. As the two years came to a close, I was happy to spend the last few months just "waiting" because I realized something very important: There is nobody else in this world like my Jake. And he was everything I wanted.
I was honest with Jake. And I'm happy I was. He loved and supported me through it all. He wrote me every week regardless of whether I was dating at the time or not. He kept reassuring me, saying he knew things would eventually work out in his favor. :) (At the time, I thought it was a funny he would say such a thing, but now I realize that he truly KNEW all along that we would end up together.)
This part is really crucial: It's different for e v e r y b o d y. No two stories are exactly the same. But I PROMISE you, whatever your trial, Heavenly Father is waiting with open arms ready to help comfort and give answers. My Heavenly Father was so patient with me as I tried desperately to figure my life out, and continues to be just as patient and loving towards me.
I'm extremely grateful that I had awesome parents/roommates who let me cry to them when missing Jake was just too much. I'm grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who was ever so patient while I talked His ear off about my feelings. And last but NOT LEAST :) I'm grateful for my amazing Jake who never ever gave up on me, even though at times he probably was close. He's so patient and kind and I don't know what I did to deserve it. :)
So that's my two cents. It's two years later and a wedding is in the near future. ;) Don't worry, they come back. They come back FAST and it's the most amazing feeling in the world. Whether you end up with your missionary or not, just know Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for each of us. Be patient with yourself and trust in God as your story unfolds. :)
