Our Story: The Chase – A Lego Love Story

Legos. Remarkably, Legos are the catalyst to this love story. In the summer of 2015, Julia arrived ready for her first day of LYM at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, MA. Julia was incredibly nervous (shocker!), but William was all smiles when he walked in with his best friend Bob. Julia was quite confused when she was introduced to Will, as he did not match the description his Uncle Jim had provided earlier at orientation. Jim painted a picture of a Lego-obsessed boy who was eager to run the camp. However, this kid looked like he had never touched a Lego before in his life.

Will, already a familiar face at camp, had only heard glowing reviews about the newest staff member (no surprise there (: ). Julia and Will had great complementary skills that made them an amazing team. They quickly got to know each other while spending hours amidst the “controlled chaos.” The last day of week one, Julia had the first (of many) moments that mesmerized William. When all tasks had been completed and it was time to leave for the weekend, Julia shouted something unforgettable-not “Let’s go!” but “LEGO!” That genius pun made Will stop in his tracks. He knew this was someone special.

Each summer session would begin the same way. We would introduce the stop-motion animation activity (a camper favorite) with a counselor created story entitled, “The Chase Scene.” It consisted simply of one Lego mini figure chasing another. This was a way for campers to learn the system and kick off their creativity. Looking back now, the campers should have been told that the greatest chase of all was unfolding right in front of them.

Each summer ended the same way. Julia would head back to city life, and Will to college. But no matter how far apart life took them, every summer brought them back to each other. Like clockwork.

Even after Will graduated and moved on from Lego Camp, he would still "just happen" to stop by in the summers. He would tell the parents and staff he was checking in as a former Program Director. But really, he just wanted to see Julia.

When Will was no longer a camp regular, Julia yearned for the happiness she endured the years before. It should not have taken Julia six years to recognize that this surge of happiness in the summer was not due to warm weather. It was due to William.

Things changed in the summer of 2021. Will convinced Julia to meet outside of work. She almost bailed-missing the turn, Will thought she was flaking again-but she showed up. That first real time together, no campers, no lesson plans-just laughter and ease. Julia warned him, “Don’t get used to this.” Luckily, Will did not listen to that.

On September 4, 2021, William officially asked Julia to be his girlfriend, thinking nothing could top that day.

Until March 1, 2025-when he asked her to marry him.

And on March 28, 2026-they will say “I do,” committing to the greatest adventure yet.