We lived on campus, on a dorm floor, that was specific to College of Education, Health, and Aviation students. I was a returning resident and was told before classes were in session for the fall semester that the majority of the floor would be freshmen residents. As a welcoming gesture, our academic advisors hosted a back-to-school cookout for the residents. At first, I was unable to attend the cookout simply because of a class conflict; however, my class was dismissed early. Since I was close to the dorm, I figured I would swing by, say hi, and grab a bite to eat on my way to my next class. I started talking with my academic advisor, and I noticed this other resident sitting and talking with his advisor. Our advisors started talking to each other, so I figured I would strike up a conversation with him. At the time, I was involved with a small Bible study group specifically for freshmen, so I just assumed that this guy was a freshman. He let me talk away until I finally asked if he would be interested in attending the Bible study. His response: "I am a junior."

The morning of, Matthew drove me down to the State Park to show me the park grounds. As we drove back to his grandmother's house, he made a bee-line across the front lawn to the cow pasture. He said that he wanted to show me this tree that he had climbed as a kid. I was personally very excited to be up close and personal with the baby calves that had been born a few weeks prior to notice the beautiful arbor that had been arranged in the distance. As we approached the arbor, he said that the arbor was built in honor of his late grandfather, so that his grandmother could come and sit and reflect as often as she would like to. To me, Matthew seemed distracted, and I kept trying to refocus him on telling me about this tree. When he finally refocused all he said was "We need to face this direction!" with my prompt reaction of "Why? What does it matter?" He began with quoting a famous country song, and then got down on one knee! I was absolutely surprised, and that was such a special moment for us! This was just the beginning of getting to spend forever together!