Tina and Andy met as freshmen at Downers Grove South High School. Although they didn’t get to know each other well until the following year, he remembers looking forward to seeing her walk by his English class every day. He joined Tina in the school orchestra as a sophomore, and they quickly became close. With senior prom approaching, they decided to attend together “just as friends,” but soon began dating in earnest. Tina would be spending most of that summer in Michigan working as a camp counselor and started at Kalamazoo College in the fall, while Andy remained in Downers Grove and began work at the local public library. They shared daily phone calls, exchanged love letters, and looked forward to their weekends together. They were delighted to spend the next two summers together, when Andy joined her in working at their camp. While they both remember those years fondly, the distance eventually took its toll and they ended up splitting for some time. Tina graduated and moved to Chicago to study nursing, and Andy was still nearby in Downers Grove. After running into each other again while hanging out with mutual friends, they decided to give it another go. Just like that, their bond was as strong as ever. Tina has been so grateful to have his steadfast love and support as she started her emergency nursing career. Highlights of the next few years included adopting their beloved rescue shih-tzu, Minnie, visiting Andy’s parents in Korea, attending family events and holidays, and exploring Chicago together. Four years ago, they moved into a small condo together just off of Lake Shore Drive. Andy began work as an assistant to a wonderful local dentist and completed his bachelor’s at NEIU and Tina nursed on while they enjoyed life on the lakeshore. They were walking on a favorite stretch of beach this past July when Andrew popped the question. She said yes!