Devon and I met at Perry High School in 2017. Devon was a junior and I was a sophomore. His brother Cayl was in my grade. We had become friends after I had heard his mothers health was declining. I reached out- letting him know that although I did not personally know him; I was praying for them.

Devon and I spoke again after I had learned his mother, Sara, had passed. My heart broke for him, and his brothers. I saw him the night she had passed at our youth group at St. Patrick’s Church- his best friend Aaron had invited him and his brother to the group for some distraction and support. I was very shy and could barely say a word or even look at him. But I knew he already had a place in my heart already.

A few days later at school, I was able to speak to Cayl(His younger brother). I distinctly remember sobbing on my way home that afternoon. Asking my Mom and God why this happened to these sweet boys. This weighed so heavy in my heart. I prayed to God before bed- asking him to protect over them and to help me find a way to help.

Well- God sure did find a way to keep us together. Devon and I started dating after a full year of friendship. He met my parents soon after. The first year he was only allowed to visit me and sit in our second living room that was full of religious sculptures and paintings. Slowly my parents gained his trust and we were allowed to go out on dates- with my little brother as the third wheel. He graduated high school in 2018 and I graduated in 2020. Devon had moved to Boone to live with his Grandpa. Grandpa John passed in 2020. I need to mention him in our love story because without him- Devon wouldn’t be the person he is today.

We moved in together in 2021- living in Johnston while I went to Dental Assisting school. We went back to Perry for a year, and are now living in West Des Moines. Devon proposed to me on the night of September 28th. My birthday was the 27th- he says he felt like the day didn’t feel right but I think he was just too nervous (LOL). So he picked me up after work that day and we went out to the botanical center, listened to live music, walked under the stars and he proposed in the most perfect, and intimate way inside of the green house. Later- getting a Culver’s shake to celebrate with a sweet treat in true Devon and Alexa fashion.

And now- here we are 7 years later. Not only my best friend but my husband. I pray we get another 70 years of laughs, sweet treats, Sunday grocery trips, and love.