March 8, 1973

I first met Judy in 1964 on a blind date that lasted most of the day. It was long enough for two people to move beyond formal conversation and begin seeing the person underneath. We cared for each other, but distance, work, and timing kept the relationship uneven.^[1]

Judy moved to California. I continued working and dating, but the comparison was always present. Other possibilities were measured against the woman I had not quite been able to keep. Years passed, which can make a person believe a story has ended when it has only paused.^[2]

After I moved to Salt Lake City, I learned that Judy would be home for three weeks. We went to see Butterflies Are Free, spent as much time together as circumstances allowed, and attended political events during a busy season. Before she returned to California, I told her I wanted to marry her. She said she would think about it.^[3]

She did. We married on March 8, 1973, with a wedding breakfast and a reception at the Light House. We honeymooned at Little America and Sun Valley. Judy's savings helped us buy our first home. I have always said that was when my life began: the day the life I had built alone became the life we would build together.^[4]