Jodi went to dances and on dates & parties during her senior year of high school. She has fun and made lots of great memories with her friends the first year he was gone. The second year she began College and dated but still hoped that things wouldn't change or be weird when Stephen returned. She remembered the cologne "Obsession" he wore and went to the mall and sprayed it on a card. Whenever she missed him she would smell the card she put in the back of her journal, read letters, and look at his mission pictures he sent to her that were on the mirror in her bedroom. No other boy could compare to Elder Parker – especially his hugs. Meanwhile, Stephen was busy in the mission field – strengthening his testimony, serving others, sharing the knowledge of the gospel, converting & baptizing those seeking the truth. He also got homesick for his family once in a while and tried to "wade through" Jodi's sent letters – some he claimed were like General Authority letters. But she had also been growing in the gospel and desired to be spiritually mature and ready to meet her life with faith. It was a long time to be away from each other and they both loved the letters that came each week.
Finally Stephen returned home. Jodi was nervous. Again she was worried about going to the airport to welcome him home and interrupting a family moment. Lucky for her Stephen's good friend Dave wasn't half as worried and offered to drive her down with him and his girl friend, Lynn. She seized the moment – she still had a lot to learn about doing this, but did it! His family was super nice to her and excited to see their brother. His parents weren't there because his dad had a meeting in SLC and had made arrangements to see him at the SLC airport on Stephen's layover there. After two years Jodi was about to see him face to face and she was hoping she would make a good "first" impression. She was surprised at what she saw descending through the doors. A boy with a giant cowboy hat & boots, large silver belt buckle, and giant smile. She was so happy to see him, even though he was decked out in all of his Texan costuming. She was also surprised to see when someone took of his giant hat, his thinning dark hair! She wasn't a super huge fan of country styled stuff, but she was a huge fan of Elder Parker. His talked excitedly to his sisters and little brother who eventually told him they needed to go visit his Grandma Parker at home because she wasn't feeling well. He smiled at Jodi and was glad she came but also happy Dave was there to talk to and keep missionary minded. Stephen's sister, Stacie, insisted Jodi go with them to Grandma Parker's house. Inside Jodi was putting on the brakes because she was worried about imposing on the family time – but of course she went. She sat in the back seat and Stephen was in front. She watched him interact with his family and was so proud of him. At Grandma Parker's house Jodi felt awkward, especially when Stephen's grandma exclaimed, "Who is she?" Stephen's sisters were kind and explained Jodi was a friend and that helped Jodi feel less self-conscience.
They left Grandma Parker's house and went to the Stake President's office for Stephen to get released from his Mission. Jodi had been stranded and was at the mercy of the Parker family. She was happy to be with them, but feeling more and more awkward by the minute. She waited in the car while they all went into the Stake Center to meet with the Stake President. Jodi felt a little sad that Stephen was without parents, but understood the situation. Stephen's parents would be moving to South Carolina where his dad would be an institute director. They would leave behind Stephen, twin daughters – Stacie and Stephanie (who happened to be Jodi's age), and Lance (Stephen's brother) and his wife. It was bad timing, but sometimes there is no control over things like that. They all came out of the Stake Center and Stephen was now officially off of his mission. He drove to the new house his family had just built and that he and is sisters would get to live in while attending College. He walked his suitcase down to the basement and changed his clothes – into P-Day clothes. He showed his family and Jodi a few items and then offered to take Jodi home.
They took a short detour to the home that Stephen had left on Barney Dairy Road. It was sold and empty. He was sad and reminiscent, but happy to be back in the town of Rexburg, ID. Stephen & Jodi talked about random surface things and they soon found themselves parked in Jodi's driveway – a familiar setting from a distant time. He walked her to her door and left her with a smile and a hug. It wasn't just any hug for Jodi – it was THE same hug that she remembered from two years ago, the one that made her feel like she had found a match. As she walked in the door with a beaming smile she had a thought that two puzzle pieces were finding there way back together again.
Three weeks later, Stephen spontaneously proposed to Jodi on an unplanned Sunday drive to Island Park. The setting was the cabin on the hill.
Three months after that, on October 28, 1994, they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple for time and all eternity.
Their lives have been full of amazing ad wonderful blessings – including five beautiful children: Alexis, Mason Stephen, Lily, Olivia Michele, and Joshua Taylor. Their lives have also held various discouraging trials, but they find that as they trust in their Savior Jesus Christ and become one in purpose they can do all things – even hard things!
