With the arrival of a hot Bakersfield August, two public school teachers, Jacqueline and Alex, prepared for the new academic year. Fresh from graduate school and equipped with her new master's, Jacqueline was starting her first year at Lincoln Junior High to do what she loves most – teaching students with disabilities! Meanwhile, Alex was gearing up for his second year at Lincoln as a seventh-grade math teacher.

Manna fell from Heaven that August!

Jacqueline arrived at Sully’s, a gas station, to get her morning coffee. As she neared the entrance, she was greeted with an open door and a warm sunny smile. The man holding the door for her was her future husband, Alex! They didn’t know it at the time, but they were about to be coworkers. And, with a little more time, they were about to be husband and wife!

Teachers were gathered inside Lincoln’s auditorium. Taft City School District likes to kick off the year with a welcome breakfast. Jacqueline, being new, had to stand from the audience seating and address the throng of educators. Alex turned his head and was immediately smitten. Where had God been hiding this angel?

The opportune moment presented itself. Jacqueline and Alex had to attend a meeting for non-tenured teachers at the Taft City School District’s district office (a.k.a., “The D.O.”). Alex was seated first and saw Jacqueline scanning the room for an open seat. Not missing the opportunity, Alex waved her down to the seat next to him. Success!

There was an immediate bond. They worked together, became fast friends. Alex was her go-to for math questions. Jacqueline was his go-to for special education questions.

Beware the Ides of March. Alex leaves Lincoln. Jacqueline was sad to see him go, but happy he was pursuing his dream career of being a professor. Alex would go on to teach at Bakersfield College and at numerous colleges and universities in the Central Valley.

With time, Alex and Jacqueline lost touch. Years later, Jacqueline decides to send Alex a Facebook friend request. Alex accepted! He was on vacation in Japan but couldn’t wait to get home!

Texts led to phone calls. Phone calls led to a date. The dates led to a relationship. Jacqueline and Alex picked up right where they left off.

They both knew it would be something special!