The fact that Bonnie and I met when we did was definitely divine intervention. Despite going to the same youth group for a couple years we had never met each other. Bonnie often notes that at this point we did follow each other on Instagram, but it was not until the beginning of our senior year of high school that Bonnie fortuitously tapped me on the shoulder and introduced herself that we actually met. I like to think that she made this action with romantic intention, but she assures me that was not the case. While she might not have been interested at that moment I certainly was, but there was a problem, I was not allowed to date until I was eighteen. In my parents' infinite wisdom my remaining six months of forced singleness turned out to be exactly what was needed. I managed to insert myself into Bonnie's friend group and get to know her before ever asking her out on a date. My time as her friend took my innocent crush and transformed it into an admiration, honor and love for this mature woman who cared for others so deeply.

One night after my eighteenth birthday following a bible study run by our youth minister I had planned to ask Bonnie on a date. I had planned to say something profound about how I admired her as a friend and wanted to take her on a date, but in the moment my mind went blank and I spurted out, "I had something I wanted to say, but ... Do you want to go on a date with me?" "I would love to!" was her response, and to say we drove our separate ways home excited goes without saying. Despite the fact that Bonnie did not like bowling on our first date she agreed to go on two more dates and we officially became boyfriend and girlfriend while eating mac n' cheese at Panera.

Three days later pandemic hit and our new love was forced to reside over FaceTime. What at first glance would have seemed to be tragic helped our relationship grow. Every morning around 9:30 we would call each other and read the daily mass readings over the phone and talk. Our new relationship was being forged, and the foundation was built on the Lord and clear, intentional communication. My love for her and her love for me was making us better people, and it was during this time that my mom told me that Bonnie was a keeper.

As the pandemic rolled on and our parents became more relaxed on who we could see, Bonnie and I were allowed to see each other. The only catch was that we had to socially distance. Eager at the opportunity to see each other in real life our go to date was the West Creek parking lot. I would bring two pints of ice cream and we would sit in our own cars and simply enjoy being with each other. Although I did give her a hug during our eighth parking lot date, we did not get Covid. Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, I hope you can forgive me.

Eventually the summer after senior year ended and it was time for us to head to college. I was heading to The Ohio State University and Bonnie was going to Franciscan University of Steubenville. Yes, doing long distance was hard, and doing super long distance when Bonnie studied abroad in Austria was harder, but again it was for the best. We further learned how to communicate openly with each other, and we were forced to make new friends since we did not have each other.

Bonnie did make headlines when news broke that she was transferring to Ohio State (Go Bucks!) and Ryan Day himself recently said "Bonnie Daniels is the most impactful transfer this university has ever had." After two years of long distance it was a breath of fresh air for us to finally be at the same school. We both lived in houses with St. Paul's Outreach, and as I expected Bonnie was quickly recognized as a leader and powerful, virtuous woman in our community!

Both being at Ohio State we were able to take classes together. One of which was a social dance class where whenever our instructor would tell the men to switch partners I would always find a way to get back to Bonnie. All the other women just could not dance as well as my Irish girl. However, the best part about no longer being apart was the simple things. Seeing each other on campus, going on walks on Northwood avenue, visiting her during her shifts working at the Math department print shop, going to Summit music hall with friends and being able to go to mass with each other are some of my favorite memories from college.

The first time I ever told Bonnie I wanted to marry her was about four months after we started dating so you can imagine my delight when, towards the end of our time in college I started to actually plan how I would propose. I knew that Bonnie was a woman worthy of being pursued and loved and I wanted my proposal to emulate that. However, I also know that if we got married and I tried to love her out of my brokenness she would not be happy. The Lord would have to purify my love and love her through me. So I planned a whole day of doing things Bonnie loves to do, watching the sunrise, going to mass and going to the art museum, but at each place I gave her a letter about God's love for her. How God is the true Son that rises and brings new life, how he gives Himself to us in the Eucharist at mass, and how to Him (and to me) she is more beautiful than any piece of art in any art museum.

Finally, standing in the front of St. Charles of Borromeo parish in Parma I got down on one knee and this time, despite my excitement, remembered what I had planned to say. I professed my love and desire to love and sacrifice for her for the rest of our lives and she agreed to marry me with tears in her eyes.

Bonnie I love you dearly and during these last five years I have loved falling more and more in love with you. I hope to be worthy of you every day, and want to help you get to heaven as you help me!