We have known each other nearly our entire lives. Grew up in the same small town, attended the same school, went to the same sports events, both spent time at the same hangouts and had many mutual friends. We became middle school sweethearts for a short time before growing up and going our separate ways. After reconnecting later in life, we both admitted to always wondering about the other and where our separate lives took us. No contact for 25 years.... Fast forward beyond middle school, high school, college, military, a failed marriage, many failed relationships, several moves around the country and 4 beautiful children, I found him. I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a picture of him and his niece. My heart skipped a beat or ten and in that moment I knew that I needed to reach out to him. I sent a message to his sister, since he didn't have Facebook, and asked about him and if he was single. Thank God he was. I asked her to please give him my number with the hopes that he would contact me. The next day, July 4th, 2017, I was at a BBQ at my dad's house, unable to get him off my mind. That evening, I got a text message notification from him that simply said, "You're beautiful." I died a little inside and retreated back to my giggly middle school days. After a few texts back and forth, we decided to get together later that evening! I anxiously waited on my front porch for him to arrive, which felt like forever. He pulled in my driveway, got out of his truck, and smiled THAT smile. I ran into his arms and in that moment we fell in love with each other all over again, 25 years later. We've been inseparable ever since. In each other, we've both found a best friend, a lover, a companion and true love.