Like many couples in the 21st century, Adam and I’s relationship started through social media. I received my first message from Adam on Facebook Messenger on August 30, 2021. While this was my first personal interaction with Adam, this was not my first introduction. Having been at Hy-Flex for 10 years now, seven years when I started at Hy-Flex, Adam had a reputation that my coworkers quickly shared with me for being very passionate about his work. Those of you that have worked with Adam over the years know the level of hard work and passion he operates with and expects of others too. Along with this information, mostly to prepare me to be on top of my game when it came to any Press Break Department needs, my new coworkers shared with me Adam’s passion for his family and value for his privacy. While not said, the impression I got about Adam was that he was a bit “rough around the edges” but had a kind heart. It’s possible that my co-workers may have been sugar coating their descriptions of Adam to me as they really wanted to find him a girlfriend. So, when Adam messaged me on August 30th, I was intrigued by him and didn’t immediately ignore the message as I would typically do. So, I am thankful for Hy-Flex needing to hire a Purchaser, my co-workers for talking Adam up, and my sister for encouraging me to go out with Adam for the first time when he asked me to dinner about a week later.
By September 2021, Adam and I were officially a couple. We made things official just in time for Kayla & Austin Doyle’s wedding in October of that year. At this event, it was evident once again how much Adam’s coworkers enjoyed him and wanted him to find a girlfriend, fiancée, wife. At their wedding, I joined the single ladies for the bouquet toss, which I lost. I remember the tradeoff of my joining in this wedding tradition would be Adam joining the men for the garter toss, which he bowed out of when it was his time to head to the dance floor. Problem was, Austin seemed to refuse to toss the garter until Adam joined the group of single men. When Adam finally joined the group, Austin shot the garter straight at Adam. If the old adage is true, that garter toss was definitely a good luck charm for Adam & I’s relationship and marked us as the next to be married. So, a thank you to Austin & Kayla Doyle for the invite to their wedding.
By late 2023, our relationship was ready to take the next step and our families seemed to be patiently waiting. Everyone but my cousin, Jack, that is. Jack was not waiting as patiently as the rest of our families and was very worried that if Adam did not propose soon that he would be kicked to the curb, “like her last boyfriend”. So, at Thanksgiving Jack pulled Adam aside and let him know that it would be a good idea that he gets me a ring for Christmas. Not only did Jack have this conversation with Adam, but he also told my Grandma Palmer that he had this conversation with Adam and was expecting an engagement at any time. By March, while on vacation with Jack and his family, Adam and I would get engaged. Though, Jack being 7 years old, was too busy walking around on some rocks at the beach to see the engagement in real time. Thank you, Jack, for being impatient enough to let Adam know it was time to propose.
By the time of our wedding, Adam and I will have been together 3 years with a lifetime ahead. We are looking forward to celebrating our day with all our family and friends that helped us get to where we are in our relationship today. A huge thank you to all of you!
Finally, thank you Adam for having the courage to send that very first Facebook Message. I love you.
- Emma