** written by Kendra... duh ** It all started decades ago — two little kids running around the halls of the Crosslake Log Church. We were no more than four or five years old when we first met. Our parents were close friends, and with all the kids so close in age, we spent plenty of time together — from church picnics to family get-togethers. When Austin’s dad accepted a new teaching position in the Cambridge-Isanti School District, their family moved away, and just like that, our childhood paths split. Over the years, I stayed connected with Cassie (Austin's younger sister) on social media — seeing bits and pieces of the Galligan family here and there — and I’ll admit, every once in a while, I found myself wondering what Austin was up to. Fast forward to adulthood: like most people in their twenties, we both lived our separate lives. Austin had probably started to think marriage wasn’t in the cards for him — but God clearly had other plans. As for me, I somehow got talked into coaching middle school golf (despite having zero experience… unless you count drinking a Busch Light down a fairway in college). But through that, I rediscovered a love for the game and gained a new sense of confidence (thank you Savannah Nelson and Pequot Lakes Middle Level Golf Gals) I remember praying one day — telling God that if I was ever meant to reach out to Austin, He’d have to make it really obvious. And wouldn’t you know it… about two years later, Austin posted a selfie on his Instagram story — golfing four days in a row. Now, if you know Austin, you know he never posts on social media. I took it as a sign. I messaged his sister, Cassie, asking if Austin was seeing anyone. She replied, “Pretty sure he just works in Sartell and golfs a lot…” So, I decided to shoot my shot: “Hey, I heard the Brainerd Lakes Area has some pretty nice golf courses.” To my surprise, Austin responded — and let me know he’d actually be up in Crosslake that next weekend for a guys’ golf trip. I was slightly annoyed that his first trip back up here was with the boys (instead of letting me show him around my favorite place in the world), but I was beyond excited to reconnect. The following weekend, after my friends Alex and Sam’s wedding, I planned what I thought was the perfect first date — Sunday, June 8th, 10:15 a.m., at The Pines at Grand View Lodge. Yes… one of the most pristine (and expensive) golf courses in the area. I sat in the parking lot, absolutely freaking out, calling my best friend Brooke for moral support — all confidence out the window. But when Austin stepped out of his car, all my nerves melted away. We both laughed when we noticed we had matching golf bags — same brand, just different colors: his black, mine neon orange. Maybe it was fate. We made it through about 16 holes (mostly thanks to Austin’s golf skills — mine were… less impressive). We grabbed a bite at the clubhouse, then headed to Main Street Ale House for lunch because neither of us wanted the date to end. Later that day, when I mentioned I needed to go pick up my dog, Olaf, from my parents’ house, Austin asked if he could come along — and from that moment on, it just felt right. A week later, we made it official. That summer was a whirlwind of Crosslake events, meeting friends and family, and golfing any chance we got. We both knew early on — this was it. The rest, as they say, is history. ❤️ ⸻