You Made Me Who I Am

Before we begin this week, I would once again like to invite anyone and everyone reading this post to submit and share your stories. Each week I have been impressed and uplifted to hear these great stories of people who change lives. Email me at inspiredstory{at}gmail{dot}com.

Now, this weeks submission comes from my nearest and dearest friend Janie. My brother from another mother :D Love this girl to death-- and she's got a pretty great hubby too. Read this post and you'll see why. Enjoy!
I have been shying away from the person who comes right to mind when I think of the people who have made me who I am. Of course, there is Mom, and my sister, and the Dad of my youth (not the Father of my adulthood), a few wonderful church leaders, and two best friends. However, the one who keeps coming to mind is Kyle, my husband.

Please stop rolling your eyes! Yes, there is the lovey dovey stuff, but before that and surrounding that is, our friendship and his friendship changed my life.
The first semester of my third year of college my testimony was weak, temptations were strong, and my family was crumbling. Just before Thanksgiving, my father announced he wanted a divorce and would be making his temporary move out of the house permanent. By Christmas I was out of the house an in a very dangerous situation, emotionally and physically. I was drinking, doing drugs, barely staying afloat in my classes, and most definitely not attending church.
That spring a good friend from my previous school came to visit me. It was my good friend Kyle. He stayed the weekend. Before he left he said something to me I will never forget. He said something to the effect of, Janie you are different. I'm not sure what it is, but I think you should go back to your church. I liked it when you were going to church. It made a big difference.
The hundreds of letters my mom had written, the few she had had old Young Women leaders write and one Bishop write did not have quite the same effect as that one small conversation with Kyle did.
I'd like to say I went back to church right away. I didn't. When I eventually did I was joined shortly thereafter by Kyle. We took the discussions together. I needed them as much as he did. My testimony is mine, it is not dependent on anyone, but I thank Kyle for it.