Stake President's Wife

Over the last 6+ years I've been asked many times, "What's it like being married to the stake president?"  I find that a strange question.  He's the same guy I married many years ago and just because he has a stewardship that's very visable doesn't mean he's suddenly an alien life form.  At times I wonder what kind of perception others in the stake who don't know me well have of me.  Sometimes I think they look at me and feel intimidated.  That's a laugh!

I have had some very unique experiences that very few other women get to have.  I have been at most of the "setting apart" appointments for the missionaries departing our stake.   All are special, but some are more memorable than others.  I've heard multiple times that the new language will become second nature.  I've heard that these missionaries will come to love the people.  I've heard that the relationships with the companions will be special.  I also heard that not every relationship with a companion will be positive.  That's not exactly what you want to hear.  I've heard that the angels will be round about these missionaries.  The most remarkable thing I've heard has only been spoken twice, at least in my presence.  That was that the influence of the Savior will be so strong that they will feel Him standing at their side.  What a promised blessing!

I've had the experience of meeting some general authorities on a personal basis.  They are all so genuine and caring.  They ask about our family which is always fun to talk about.  We've had them in our home as well.  It is a really fun experience.  Each of those brethren shares very interesting personal experiences with the prophet or one of the twelve.  I cherish these experiences.

One of my favorite things about being the stake president's wife is the opportunity to get to know the mission president and his wife.  Last week we got to meet President and Sister Cutler and their daughter Megan.  I look forward to getting to know them better.  I love Sister Barrett and Sister Jones and value their friendship.  I can't imagine it will be any difference with Sister Cutler.

I guess when I look at it this way, I can tell those who ask, "What's it like to be married to the stake president?" I should answer, "wonderful!"  Will I miss it?  Probably.  But for now I will just enjoy having the title of Stake President's Wife.