With every story ever told, it always seems to begin with something that ropes you in and sparks your interest. Well, the beginning of our story isn't going to get you wrapped in because it's the middle and end that will make you wish I wrote a book.

The first day I ever saw Stephanie I was 12 years old, which was a decade ago now (I know, I'm getting old). I was at my friend's house and I happened to look to the right of the house in front of me when I was in the outfield. I saw a 17 year old girl who caught my attention more than the game. I remember saying "wow" to myself and just stood there mesmerized. Well, get this, she didn't even know who I was, or that I was even standing there. After the game, I headed home and stored that memory of her ever since.

Three years went by, and at this point, I was living in Rochester, NH, with my dad after my house burned down. The only good thing about moving away from the rest of my family was that I lived right down the street from my friend, Errol, and guess who happened to be there one day when Errol and I went to his house? Yup, Stephanie. Even still, she didn't know me, but I knew her, and we were then introduced to each other (although my long hair got me made fun of).

The next time that Stephanie and I saw each other and talked again was two years later when I was 17. I didn't have much to do because I was living in Alton at this time, so I decided to hang out with Errol. When we got there, Stephanie was there too. We all hung out and drank that night, and when we went to bed I had to sleep on the floor, which was cold. Next thing I hear, as I'm huddled up in the corner was, "do you want to sleep in the bed?". And, to be honest, yeah, I definitely did. So, I stood up and went to lay next to her. I remember her telling me not to touch her because she was much older than me, so I didn't. I actually laid as still as a statue. That was the last time I saw her until I was 20 years old.

I was in a real bad place at this time, and I was giving up on myself. My younger brother, Noah, saw it and asked if I wanted to go to a party with him, but he told me I had to ask this girl. So, I asked who the girl was, and he replied "Stephanie Brunelle". Once that name was said, it made me smile. I then messaged her on Facebook to ask, and she, of course, said yes. That night, my buddy Riley, Noah, and I went to her house. As soon as I got there and I saw her face for the first time in three years, all that ran through my head, like every other time I saw her was "wow". She then gave me a hug, and since then, I never left.

We all partied that whole summer and enjoyed each other's company. Stephanie and I ended up falling in love and spent every day with each other. She moved from one house to another, and I went with her. Every day was good- we laughed, loved, grew so much happiness, gained so much trust, and created a life of smiles and got attached to what we had with each other. I then left for 3 months for recruit training for the Marines. It was hard, but being away from her was harder. At a few points, I thought was going to lose the woman who always showed up in my life, but I didn't. After those 3 months passed, I went home for 10 days and on the 8th day I asked her to marry me. She said yes! Again, I left for a while for training, and it was very hard, but we held on. Finally, I was home to stay and we were off to begin a life together. We had ups and downs like everyone else, but we pushed through and everything was okay and we were both so happy.

On the morning of February 1st, I got a phone call that my younger brother, Noah, had been hit by a passing car and I started to lose myself and lose Stephanie because without me, we weren't us. Noah was the person who brought Stephanie and I together, and if you see this Noah, I want you to know that I am more than thankful that you were in my life and brought us together. You will always be a part of me, a part of us, and a part of the little baby that Stephanie and I are having. Yes, you are the uncle to our child and you will never be forgotten. We love you, and without you, I wouldn't have found this woman who brought me the happiness I have always wished for.

Registry