In the Beginning . . .

For Ever and Ever and Ever . . .

It all started with a phone call . . . . "Would you be interested in going out?"

"No, I'm too busy," was the reply. To be polite, the conversation continued for a few minutes even though it was late and I was anxious to retire for the night. Then his name was mentioned -- Jerry Meservy.

Oh, I remember him. He was that cute new kid at Bountiful High School that came when he was a Senior and I was a Junior! Why did I remember him? The names of a lot of school mates had long been forgotten. (After all, wasn't that almost 50 years ago?)

So the conversation continued after hearing his name -- "Oh, maybe we could go out . . ."

The person on the other end of the phone was also from our high school days and was just an acquaintance. Her husband had called Jerry to request some information. During the conversation he asked Jerry if he was dating now. (Jerry's wife, Nancy, had passed away the previous year.) Then he suggested some ladies in his ward that he might like to date. Just before hanging up the phone, his wife, Claudia, came on the line.

She heard the list of names Jerry could call. She said, "No -- why don't you call Tibby Vander Meyden." After a few phone calls and finding out that my name was now Rosalyn Brown, Claudia called to see if I would be interested in dating.

After two weeks (Jerry was in Disneyland with his family), he called and we made a date to go out to dinner on March 3rd. However, on March 2nd he called me at work and asked if I would like to see a concert at Woods Cross High School. It was the Hughes Brothers. I had just read about them in the Clipper on my lunch hour. They are a famous singing family and they were doing a one night benefit show. So I agreed.

As I hung up the phone my mind started to race. I had several responsibilities that had to be done right after work and it wouldn't leave me much time to get ready. I quickly made some phone calls. I was in a mad dash after work to get everything taken care of and then get home "for a very important date."

I was a little nervous (maybe I should say a lot!!!) as neither of us knew what the other one looked like. I was ready a few minutes early. Wow, I felt like a teenager waiting for her first date! Then the doorbell rang! I think I jumped 10 feet!

AND -- there was my "Prince" in shining armour -- flowers in hand.

I think we both knew from the very beginning that this wasn't just a passing friendship. Within three and one-half weeks we were engaged and a tentative date set for a temple wedding.

When I met his children, grandchildren and sisters -- I loved them and they seemed like family right from the beginning. (I met his brother and his wife several months later while they were serving a mission in Tennessee.) And I know that my children, grandchildren, brother's family and Mom also loved and accepted Jerry.

We both felt that our meeting was a miracle. Even though we both lived in Centerville for many years, our paths never crossed. What are the odds that we would have ever met? And how miraculous that a slight acquaintance would have brought us together?

There is one thing that we have both felt very strongly about. There must have been a reason for this miracle. Heavenly Father expected much from us, and we were needed to serve in aeas where neigher one of us could have served alone, such as the blessing of this mission.

So the wedding date was set. Preparations were made with the help of many who assisted.

June 14th was a beautiful day, one we will treasure forever.

The night before our wedding, Jerry stayed up late into the night to write a poem. I had tears in my eyes when he read it at our wedding breakfast.

From Strangers to Eternal Companions

We met as strangers with the help of a friend,

And now are eternal companions with no end.

How could this happen in such a short time,

That a stranger is now the best friend of mine?

It started with the Hughes Brothers Bunch

and then moved on to a ball game and lunch.

Then a temple session brought us both bliss,

And provided the setting for the first "I Love You and a kiss."

Many visits and outings took place in between,

But I knew quite soon that you were a "Queen."

Then there were discussions as I remember,

That soon led to June replacing September

There is much more to say,

But suffice it for now we are well on our way.

As eternal companions we'll travel the path,

Till as He has promised, we'll receive all that He hath.

Today we celebrate two wonderful years -- years that have been filled with sunshine, love, fun, service, and peace that only the Gospel can bring. Together we share four sisters, two brothers, eight children, 27 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Oh, how we love them and their spouses.

We have made our home in Nauvoo, Centerville, and Axams, Austria.

We are finding "JOY IN THE JOURNEY"

Home is where the heart is and home will always be where we are together.

How wonderful it is to say -- "We 2 R 1"