Learning what the meaning of love is has been and continues to be a journey we walk down. When Jillian and I met, our definitions of love were formulated like a pyramid built on its peak. Neither of us knew what the foundation of love should look like. Was it the need to spend every waking moment with one another? Was it the radiant smile that beamed through at the sound of each other's names? Was it the warm embrace of a hug that slowed the whole world down for just a second? Or was it just the little things, like a bouquet of flowers or a silly sticky note?

Well, we still don’t know… but here’s what we have learned about love. Love doesn’t give up. Love fights to see the light even when the tunnel looks long and dark sometimes. Love isn’t always a fairytale story or a kiss under the mistletoe, but even when the sun doesn’t shine, love is the light that guides the way. Jillian is my light, my best friend and my home… and I will always be there to be that person for her. I will always protect her while she will always take care of me. We don’t know what love is, but we do know the love we have for each other.

Our Story…

Jillian is beautiful, determined, caring, goofy, talented, smart, faithful, supportive, etc. etc. But when I first saw her, I’d have to admit she was just as she still is… a pretty lady. It was not until using my lady’s man skills and getting her to agree to go on a date with me that I got to begin to know that she was as weird as I am. Whether it was the goofy faces or random noises, she sure knew how to put a smile on my face. I truly could have the worst day and get home to have my heart explode seeing her jumping up and down, excited to see me. My face often hurt from smiling. Anyhow I am getting distracted so let's get back to the story…

On our first date I took her to Cabelas to show her what was up. We also went thrifting, on a snack run, to the movies, and to get ice cream… I was really trying my hardest to drag it out. At the end of this amazing date, I went to say goodby and she reached her arm out for a fist bump… I figured that was a wrap for me. I must have told the wrong dad jokes. I wasn’t going down without a fight though, so I grabbed her fist and shifted it into 4th gear then proceeding to lean in for a hug. I did say I was a lady’s man, didn’t I?

It didn’t take long for me to realize that she was my best friend. I could go full weirdo, tell the dumbest jokes I had, and sing at the top of my lungs around her and she would never judge me. Most of these things were an attempt to make her smile, and she started to realize what I always tell her, it’s all love. We went on adventures, jumped in lakes, climbed up mountains, and even caught a few fish. I found out that she didn’t need me to bait her hook or take her fish off for her… which translated to every facet of life. She’s quite the tough gal and NEVER backs down from a challenge. Like never ever… ever. We had more fun than I can put into words in this story, so y’all will have to come ask me if you want the adventure diaries of the future Brownings.

We shared our dreams. She told me how she wanted a big property with a healthy garden and lots of animals… especially cows. How she wanted little ones to grow up outside and around nature. She told me about the big St. Bernard she wants and how she wants to be a good mom. I told her about my aspirations of being a professional bass fisherman and to have the happiest and healthiest family. I told her about my dreams of being able to take care of my family and have the financial success to be able to provide for all those who need a hand to pick them up. The support we have for each other's dreams is unwavering and shows how any sacrifice is worth it when it comes to those you truly love.

Not all the chapters in our book have been action packed and full of excitement. Some we have had to fight through, but just like I said in the beginning, love does not give up. In our most recent chapter, we have come to God and accepted Jesus into our hearts. We finally found our foundation. We came to realize that we didn’t want to build our relationship like a house built on loose soil. Our faith is our foundation. It has been beautiful to see how we have both grown so much since growing closer to God. I have seen Jillian take so much weight off of her shoulders that I could not relieve her of, and I have found myself at home no matter where I go. I see the love our hearts have been opened to and the way I love those who I have never before met. We are only just writing the blueprints for our life, but we know the foundation on which we are building is strong and eternal.

Often times we find ourselves in a hurry to go ahead and figure life out. I can’t wait to slow down and walk down a path with your hand in mine, my love. Jillian and I are still writing the introduction to our story, but we are going to finish this book… one page at a time.