From Baylee Me and John Isaac "met" years ago. We both always went to Amory, so I always knew who he was. I thought he was the cutest thing ever, but we didn’t connect until about 6th grade. I rode the bus to my Mimi & Pops’ house, just a street from his. We’d talk (and he’d aggravate me, of course). He made me SO nervous. It never got serious, but it stayed in my mind. Life went on, we talked to other people, experienced different things, different grades, but later reconnected. In 8th grade, I attended Moco DNOW for the first time, and so did John Isaac. We went with friends from Meadowood Baptist Church--which is now our home church. That Sunday morning, he asked me what time church got out. I answered, and he swore I had an attitude (I disagree). Whatever was said, it sparked something we could not forget. Since that weekend in January 2019, he’s been the one. I was hard-headed and scared, so we stayed apart a while, but I never stopped thinking about him. That summer I finally reached back out. He was on vacation in the mountains and had just gotten a new car—a white Mustang. I assumed he was over me and out of my league. Jokingly, I told him he’d have to show me his new ride after vacation. To my surprise, he did. I was so nervous, but the moment I saw him, I forgot why I was ever scared. Our conversation came easy, and from that day, I knew I never wanted to be without him. Since then, we’ve had our ups and downs, even a breakup at the end of my freshman year. Thankfully, God brought us back together and gave us grace through immaturity. We’ve been through tough and dark times, cried and laughed together, been each other’s best friend, and watched each other grow. We always persevere. From the school bus, DNOW, high school, sidelines, graduation, to now both in our careers, preparing for forever and saying “I do.” Our memories are priceless, and I’ll never get tired of sharing them. There’s no denying God’s presence throughout our relationship. There’s no one else I’d rather go through life with. John is patient, loving, protective, providing, and truly all things good. I love him with all of me. Thank you, Jesus for my husband. From John A lot can happen in 7 years, so hang in there. I first met Baylee on the school bus—me in 7th grade, her in 6th. She was talking about choosing a new softball bat, and me being a jokester, I teased her about loading it. We saw each other some, but not much else was said. Then January 2019 came—my freshman year, her 8th grade. At DNOW’s last service, I asked what time church ended. Baylee turned around and said 11. I argued, and she said, “umm I think I’d know, considering it’s my church.” That was the moment she had me. I told my buddy, “I’m going to get her.” We started Snapchatting. Different schools (me at AHS, her at AMS) kept us apart, and no one knew about us yet. But I knew I wanted her. It was just the way she carried herself. Eventually, we reached the talking stage. Then she cut me off, and I was heartbroken. My mom comforted me, saying true love never ends. About 3 months later, I was on vacation when Baylee texted me. I lit up. When I got home, she was at a coffee shop and jokingly told me to come by. I didn’t know she was joking, so I went. Nervous, I looped around the parking lot 3+ times before finally pulling in. She came out, sat in the car, and my nerves calmed. She’s just special. We talked, and we were back to us. This time she told her family, so I knew she was serious. We dated about 8 months before Covid, young and dumb, broke us apart again. I thought that was it. But like my mom says, true love finds its way back. Unexpectedly, we reconnected and vowed we were in it to stay. And we have. She’s my backbone, my Bonnie, my glue. I wouldn’t be half the man I am without her. I thank God for her and for everything we’ve been through. I’d do it all over again, because the hardships made us resilient. I love her with all of me. Here’s to forever!