I asked Todd’s wife to write the introduction for his post, I have never met someone who loves her husband more (and I’m pretty extreme on the level of love for my husband…) I thought it was only appropriate, this is what she had to say.

“He is extremely hardworking, dedicated, and loyal in everything he does. He cares just as much about a stranger he just met as he would someone he’s known for forever. He is so kind and selfless and is always making sure others are happy and taken care of. He’s the best father, husband and friend and anyone who knows him, just loves him 🙂 Don’t mind me making myself cry over here… I really love that guy. I forgot to mention he is the most handsome human! I always joke that if he dies first, and whenever I get to where I go and open my eyes and see Toddy, I’ll know I’ve made it to the Celestial kingdom 😉 Ok. Someone please stop the sappy pregnant lady.”  (ps. you can meet his wife here.)

She may have hoped I’d edit it a little, but I really really wanted to leave in all of the good stuff, it kind of just screams “happiness” doesn’t it? Anyway, meet Todd. 

Do you believe forgiveness is essential to true happiness?
I believe that forgiveness is absolutely essential to true happiness. Having been one who is been wronged and one who has done wrong I have personally seen how forgiveness heals. Forgiveness is a choice, it is a choice that is selfless and full of love. If you find a man who have truly forgiven another there you will find love.True forgiveness looks for the best in one another. It realizes the tendencies of man and the journey with which we are all on. There is so much hate and bitterness in this world, one does not have to look further than their local media station to see that. Forgiveness seems to be in short supply these days yet it is a choice, it is a choice to true happiness.

How has being a father changed your perspective on the purpose of life?
Becoming a father has changed me for the better in so many ways. Becoming a father I no longer sleep in on a Saturday mornings. I can no longer go just do what I want to do all the time. There may be nights where I get less sleep than I used to get. Since having a child my life is so much more rewarding. I am learning life not about me, getting married taught me that but having a child taught me that in a more real way. A midst all of the adjustments that I had to make to my life I am so grateful for the insight that has come from the joy of having a family. I am naturally a selfish person and I am learning that serving others in love is a great way to find joy and fulfillment.

Through parenthood I have learned to find joy in the small things. My schedule can get hectic at times and I have found that there is an element of parenthood that caused life to slow down a bit which I desperately need at times. Whether it is walking down a sidewalk with Ellie exploring, bugs, leaves, sticks, grass and what concrete feels like. Our little apartment as it becomes a grand adventure when explore new things in the kitchen and take out all of the pots and pans and throw them on the floor. Perhaps it is exploring how cold the fridge is and exploring each of the contents inside by having to touch each one. Perhaps lying down on our backs looks at the ceiling and realized how tall it is. All of these things and more have taught me to appreciate life more fully.

What do you believe it means to truly love someone?
To answer the question what I believe it means to love someone is some what daunting. Novels and professions have been devoted to this topic and I feel that I am hardly adequate at providing profound insight into this answer. However, I can provide an opinion about this topic. A quote that my thoughts reflect around is given by President Gordon B Hinckley. He said “True love is not so much a matter of romance as it is a matter of anxious concern for the well-being of one’s companion.” This quote summarizes my two cents. Love is loyal, true, as Neal A Maxwell states “perfect love is perfectly patient.” I feel that following these thoughts can aide in a happy marriage. My marriage happens to be a choice that I made that has brought me the most happiness this world has to offer.