#SoLindLoveWithYou #HappiLindEverAfter

His Perspective: Colleen and I were students of the same physical therapy class at Washington University in St. Louis. Of course, I caught her eye immediately with the use of my "southern" accent that helped her feel like she was back in Kentucky. Naturally, I was super intimidated by her beauty, confidence and independence. It wasn't until Colleen (who had an agenda the entire time) asked me to hangout that we really got to know each other. Over the course of 2 semesters, that included 8 weeks apart, we became the best of friends. Shortly before leaving for our last two clinical rotations (July - December) we decided to step into a serious relationship. We spent the next 10 months strengthening our spiritual and emotional foundation and improving our communication, while visiting each other periodically throughout. Her Perspective: My first encounter with Robert involved him mocking my southern accent, classic. My second encounter was him challenging me to make him Chili, also classic. Somehow, I was drawn to him. I was determined to get to know him better. I kept asking him to study with me, despite his nervousness, he slowly started to come around. We had real conversations, deep conversations early on. We could ask each other difficult questions and get honest answers. We then left on an 8-week clinical rotation and took our first trip together as best friends, a ski trip to New York. We met "half-way", I drove 10 hours, he drove 3. I slowly started to enjoy his company more and more- his devotion to both God and to me, his humor, his support. We began dating when we returned from our clinical rotations in the Spring, and had three months before we departed to the opposite ends of the country for six months. Distance was difficult, but the best thing we could have done. It taught us three very important things: to strive to always put each other first, to communicate effectively, and appreciate every short-lasting moment we had together.

Reverse psychology. Robert planned his own "surprise" birthday party with the help of his roommates who also asked Colleen for help. While she thought she was planning a surprise party for him, she was really planning her own engagement party. We were blessed to have our parents and a few of our best friends who lived out of town come in to help with the real surprise. Although the rain came, Robert was able to time a break in the weather by abruptly cutting dinner plans short. Colleen had no idea because she was so preoccupied trying to surprise Robert. We took a walk in Forest Park next to the pond and fountains at the base of Art Hill. Robert had a great friend stalk us to our mark to take pictures of us throughout. After some conversation regarding memories of the location, he knelt down and popped the question. All the while, everyone from out-of-town were incognito near-by watching it all. They walked up to us after watching the proposal, making for a secondary great surprise and wonderful pictures. We then joined up with the "surprise" birthday party, which included a great group of friends from our physical therapy school, and enjoyed the rest of the weekend together.

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.