I grew up living the Mormon fairy tale. Born and raised in Utah, graduated from Provo High, attended BYU where I met and married a returned missionary in the Provo temple and we had the perfect family (2 sons and 2 daughters). I was always so proud of my pioneer heritage on both sides and was extremely proud to be a Smith and an Eyring. Now...not so much...but I'm still proud of my heritage and I had wonderful parents.
My fairy tale life came to a screeching halt when my husband (who had suffered with mental illness issues for years....silently with only the 2 of us knowing) decided he no longer wanted to be married or be a father and left. He was serving as a High Counselor and I was in the YW's presidency at the time. Our oldest son was serving his mission.
Needless to say, my world turned upside down and that's an entirely other story (going through a divorce while active in the church was the first real chink in the armor for me regarding leaders being inspired and the church being the true church).
I was single for several years and fairly active in the single adult program. I had decided I'd raise my 3 youngest children and not remarry until they were all older. However, I met my future husband (not when I was looking as it usually happens), converted him to the church and we married a few years after we met. We were sealed in the temple a year after we married.
I was serving as the RS president in our ward when I discovered the truth about the church. Living in southern California and being active in the church during the time of Prop 8 was the beginning of the end for both my husband and myself. Then I googled some things about Joseph and polygamy....and you all know the rest of the story.
This was a very difficult and excruciatingly painful time for us. We faked it for a few years and tried to continue attending. Lots of pain and lots of experiences, but I know you've all had these too (or similar ones) or you wouldn't be here most likely.
I found NOM during that time and it literally saved my insanity. I thought I was all alone and the only one who knew the truth while still having to pretend I believed. I made some really great friends here whose experience and support got me through a lot of my struggles.
We no longer attend, but my two oldest children are still extremely TBM and so are other members of my family. So yes, I still feel in the middle of leaving and being involved.
Well...that's about it (be thankful that you got the Reader's Digest version
)I'm happy to be involved with this forum and look forward to getting to know all of you!
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