Our story began back in seventh grade. Cora had just freshly moved down to New Salem and we had our first English class. I had to help cover for her when she was late because it was her first day and she could not find the classroom. I already knew who she was because I spent the entire summer and all my family gatherings being teased about the “cute neighbor girl” who moved in over the hill. Let’s just say I was able to match that description pretty easily to her. We immediately hit it off and began to get closer over the years.

Sophomore year came around and Cora and I decided it was time that we finally should start hanging out more. Eventually, we started dating. This led to a lot of growth and memories. We handled an ACL tear, zoom classes, graduation and so much more.

College then came around and it was a big change for both of us. The culmination of new friends, a new school, and a new home was a big adjustment. This helped our relationship grow to a different level. Cora then decided she wanted to go to ASU through UMary. Long distance was new, but we were ready to take on the challenge. Through many facetimes, a trip for me to Arizona, and an Easter trip home for Cora we were able to get through it. Our appreciation and love for each other blossomed extremely through all of this. Our traveling throughout school culminated with a trip across the world to the Holy Land.

After all this, I knew Cora was the one, and as many would say it was about time that I popped the question. On October 15, we started our Sunday just like we did so many others in the best way with mass and brunch. After this, I had a walk planned, but Cora was not having it. She was exhausted from the night before, her contact ripped, and her allergies were through the roof, but I insisted the show must go on. We eventually made it to the walk I had planned through the trees along the river where I was able to get down on one knee and the rest is history.