Six years ago, I met Jon in his first class on his first day at Lee University. I was the newest Teacher Assistant on the block - and feeling very nervous. Pretty sure I was an hour early and had already sweated through my dress. Jon sat in the front row and after a few classes, I noticed he was unusually attentive. After about 20 minutes in to teaching my first class and countless attempts of corny jokes to keep everyone's attention, he was the only one who was still looking, listening and laughing.

According to Jon - I told his Dorm RA (who I was good friends with at the time) that I found him creepy because he never stopped looking at me. I will neither confirm or deny that accusation.

Fast forward 2 years and 50289734 roommates later - I was rooming with his brother's girlfriend (now wife), Michelle. She had recently had Jon over to her lake house so when he showed back up in a PR Writing class that we had both chosen as electives, I naturally sparked up a conversation about it. After a few minutes of talking - he told me he had decided to drop the class. So as all the kids say these days - "K BAI" and thought nothing more about him.

I show back up to that class two days later and there he was - sitting on the other side of the room. And after a few more weeks of the class, he continued to show back up. Once it came time to start studying for a quiz - he suggested we get together and go over the information the night before the quiz. So naturally he needed my number to set up a time/location (this kid had smooth moves, if you ask me). After a few more weeks of that class, he started to gradually sit one seat closer until we were sitting side by side, partner in crimes, getting in trouble for talking too much and constant mischief-making (definitely all Jon. I am an angel and never get in trouble).

We were pretty good friends by the end of that class. Can't recount a day we didn't see or hang out with each other that year. I had actually tried to help set him up with another girl (spoiler alert - my wingman skills were a little rusty and it didn't pan out) and find myself looking back and laughing at how all these little things worked out to put us where we are now! Jon ended up driving down for my graduation, we said our goodbye's later, and little ole me thought that would be the end of a fun friendship...

Thankfully, though, the Lord had a different plan!