Webster’s Dictionary defines persistence as “to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity or warning.” To put it simply, it’s having a fierce, unstoppable drive to achieve a goal even when facing odds. And boy, did I find out the meaning of that firsthand with Carolyn.

Back on March 6, 2022, I saw her during mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dallas. It had been about seven years since I had last seen her in high school, but I wouldn’t have missed her from a mile away. So, I was determined to make a connection… once I struck up the courage. Three weeks later (don’t laugh), I reached out to her on Instagram and played coy by asking if it truly was her that I had seen at church.

Here’s where the persistence comes into play. Over the following three months, I strove to keep her entertained and at least slightly interested in communicating with me. I battled being “left on read” a few times, gave her tickets to a Stars game and even asked her to go to adoration on more than one occasion. She finally agreed to go on May 19, which led to us standing in the parking lot for an hour having our first in-person conversation.

After a few more bouts with adversity, I finally found the nerve to ask her out after church on June 26th. And after what was supposed to be an hour-long first date turned into six hours and closing the bar down on June 29th, things really kicked into full swing. Until, of course, she spent most of the late summer leaving the state and country for various trips (that she swears were pre-planned).

But we maximized the time we had together in Dallas and made it official on August 3rd before she got 5,000 miles away from me for a month.

What started as a near overdose on espresso martinis at Bowen House turned into the most joyful, fulfilling and exciting 16 months of my life. It’s been a time filled with nonstop love, encouragement and happiness like I never knew possible. If you know Carolyn, you know she’s one of the most selfless, caring, compassionate and supportive people on the planet. She’s my everything and my person.

I grow more grateful for her by the minute and thank the good Lord daily for blessing me with the nerve to go for it with her.

I eventually picked September 1st as the day to pop the big question. I did so through an elaborate ruse that included faking a sore back, a restaurant we had visited on one of our first dates being in on the whole plan, stopping to take Advil and eventually walking around Lake Carolyn before I got down on one knee to go for it.

We’ve been so blessed by friends, family and the good Lord above in the past year and a half and are overjoyed with all that’s to come. We cannot wait to celebrate such a memorable occasion and special day with each and every one of you! Persistence really does pay off, folks!