Chap. 1- Of Humble Beginnings

Luke started off to school on the morning of May 1st, 2009 knowing that his world was about to change forever. He nervously picked four dew-covered clover flowers from the warm damp ground. The late spring air hung over the earth like a dense haze. The air smelled like processed corn starch.

When Luke arrived at Central Middle School he knew that this morning was not like the rest. He stopped at his locker, slammed it shut, and took a deep breath. It was time to become a man. He nervously paced down the hallway to meet her. There she was. Her face shown and her bright smile lit up the hallway.

Although Luke began writing our story with great intentions, his interests quickly fizzled when the Cardinals game began. Maybe one day he will return to write our story and all its glory from his unique perspective. Our beginning is not quite as dramatic as above states, but sweet nonetheless. After denying Luke's request to be his girlfriend via MSN three times, Luke has learned that persistence is key to achieve one's goals. And I have learned that wild violets (yes, the weed) will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Saying "yes" to be this goofy 8th grade boy's girlfriend in the halls of Central Middle School ended up being the best decision of my life. A decision, for the both of us, that quickly evolved into having a new best friend. Saying that I get to marry my best friend is not a phrase that I take lightly. Our friendship is a gift that is illuminated in our past, present, and future.

For the past eight(ish) years we have grown up together. Together, we made it through 8th grade graduation and Y Dances. Together, we navigated the halls of high school. Together, we became leaders on and off the courts and fields. Together, we supported one another as we experienced life away from home the first time. Together, we are both pursuing careers that we feel passionate about. Together, we have grown into young adults (one of us more than the other) and into the people we are today. Together, with the help of our loving families, we too have grown into a family. Most importantly, through all this togetherness, we have made each other become better individuals with strong minds and even stronger hearts.

In a short time, our anniversary date will change from May 1st, 2009 to June 17th, 2017. I am excited for the changes that this new date will bring to our lives, but I am forever thankful for the eight years of laughter and tears, icees and car rides, the hours spent laying on my trampoline, and all the other memories in between, all leading up to this moment.