The Scoop

So here’s the scoop…..

I'm dating someone.  His name is Brent Carling, I have known the Carling family for over 30 years.  Brent  was a missionary companion to Steve in the MTC.  There they formed a special bond, learning how to teach the gospel, and enjoy a laugh or two.  They were both part of the Great Anchorage Alaska Mission.

Once they returned home from their missions, they remained good friends.  While Steve and I were dating, we doubled with Brent and his girl friend, soon to be wife, Angie, several times. When Steve and I were married we spent a weekend at Angie’s family’s cabin, (the Silotti cabin) in the Uintahs, along with a fun and eventful day at the Wyoming Downs horse races.

The doubling as couples, soon diminished as our lives became filled with children, work, and church responsibilities.  Brent and Steve would find time for lunch, but as couples we didn’t see much of each other.

When Mike received his mission call to the Anchorage Alaska Mission, a couple of Steve’s mission companions, including Brent, planned a get-together at a local restaurant in Bountiful. Several missionaries from Steve’s mission and their spouses attended.  Mike and I had a great time, looking at mission pictures, and hearing stories from his Dad’s mission. Several of these great people supported us at Kate and Mike’s double farewell prior to them leaving for the MTC on July 3, 2013. 

January 2, 2014, Brent’s spouse Angie suddenly and unexpectedly passed away of a stroke.  Our hearts broke with the Carling family as they experienced this difficult tragedy.  They were so strong, and faithful, knowing that through the Plan of Salvation they would see Angie again.

As months went by, we often wondered how the Carling family was doing. Brent and  I bumped into each other a couple times and talked a little.  

In April, Brent invited Ben, Lizzy, and I, to ski with him and his daughter Shaylynn at Snowbasin. Winter weekends, Brent is a part-time ski instructor at Snowbasin, so he offered to give us great skiing tips. We were so excited to go. It's been years since I skied.  Lizzy had gone a few times, and Ben has never skied.  We were also thrilled to spend time with our dear friends.  That outing lead to more interaction between the families, which lead to get togethers between Brent and I.

Life has been good dating someone who I can relate to and who understands what it is like to lose a spouse.  Our children are around the same ages, which is a bonus when gathering them all together.  Brent is kind, gentle, spiritual, and has lots of patience with me.  We enjoy spending time with each other and with our families.

    Alysha, Brent, Cory, and Shaylynn (Brad is missing).

Brad and Teneal (Brad's finance').