Ours is not a love at first sight story. It took time to develop.

We met through church as somewhat of a blind date.love. My sister, Samantha, and her husband, Kevin, played such a special and important role in helping me establish myself after I made the move to North Carolina. They encouraged me, prayed for me and eventually introduced me to Curtis. Kevin and Curtis were attending a bible study together at the time. Every week Kevin would say, “there is this guy…” or “every time I see him, I like him more and more”. My answer was always "no thank you". Kevin, and lots of other loved ones, PERSISTED in encouraging us to meet one another. Kevin did try to paint a full picture, though, describing Curtis as “real country”.

“Boots, truck, accent”, three words Kevin used to describe Curtis, were initially words that were so strange to me. Now they represent love, safety and God’s goodness in my life.

We did meet for a blind(ish) date and two days later, after church, I asked for Curtis' phone number. He text later that day and we met for a walk, with his dog, Jed… now that was love at first sight!

We began to spend more time with another. Mostly walking with Jed, making meals, talking and going to church every Sunday. Through that, and with the support and prayers of so many, our friendship, bond and love grew and grew.