I met Charlie on March 2, 2023. Charlie was persistent about taking me on a date after adding me on snapchat, so I finally said yes. He took me to none other than, Texas Roadhouse. After dropping me off at home that night, he texted me saying how he wanted to see me again the next day. I knew that was going to mean trouble... After that first date, we spent all 3 days together, after I got off work, until he was sent to the border on March 5, 2023.

We face-timed and texted constantly. Charlie came home 4 days out of every month until the end of May 2023. He was home for 2.5 weeks, with another week broken up here and there between drills, and Charlie was sent to El Paso for pre-deployment phase on July 5, 2023.

Charlie was able to get a few days free pass just prior to leaving for Egypt in August, so I called into work and booked a flight to El Paso to see him. Charlie told me that he left something at Mammaw's and she would send it with me in my suitcase so he could have it before he left. When I landed, Charlie asked if he could have the box. I handed it over without even wondering what was in it. The next day, we hung out with his army buddies and their sweet families. We were supposed to go hiking, but Charlie ended up telling me that the girls wanted to take family pictures at the look out, so I had to get ready (which I was not really excited to do, but was just happy to be with him). When we got there, Charlie's friend Richard suggested that I get into the camera for some practice shots for everyone to have a good spot. Good Lord knows that I am so gullible and didn't even think twice about it! Before I knew it, Charlie was asking me to marry him, at sunset with all the city lights of El Paso shining in the background. I was so surprised that I started smacking the wall behind me to make sure it was real, cause honestly I almost thought he was joking. (I still had not put 2 & 2 together, that I flew all the way there with my engagement ring in my suitcase.. THANKS MAMMAW!)

I had to fly home 2 days later, and that was one of the hardest goodbyes I have ever had to endure. He flew out over 7,000 miles halfway across the world a few days after, and never once did he make me feel alone. He communicated with me every chance he could and loved me unconditionally throughout all the ups and downs. There were lots of laughs and lots of tears shed over face-time.

After what felt like an eternity (but honestly went by so fast), I got to feel his warmth and see his beautiful, crystal, blue eyes in person on May 25, 2024. We are still learning about each other every day, but he has remained such an amazing foundation for our little time together and is the most caring and loving man I have ever come across.

I could never thank God enough for bringing Charlie into my life, and placing him in a family that is so wonderful to me and accepts me for all that I am. We are so excited to become one and spend our day with those that we love! See you guys soon!!

Q + A

Q + A coming soon!