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.