My parents moved us out to Manorville when I was in 2nd grade. As young as I was, I remember being so nervous to be at a new school with new kids. I was luckily enough to sit next to Michael who made fun of me for wearing glasses. I guess you could say this was the beginning of a long friendship. We both had Mr. Ottati that year and fast forward to 6th grade we both were fortunate to have Mr. Ottati again.

Throughout high school we remained friends, and had mutual friends so we hung out a lot but we were always friends. Michael hadn’t changed one bit since the 2nd grade and continued his jokes over the years. We had several classes together and our senior year we both won class clown. We used to sing duets which is ironic because now we host daily sing offs on our drives. Mike always found a way to make me laugh. Things haven’t changed one bit.

After high school, Mike and I lost touch and he moved to Florida years after. Eight years after high school, I received a message on Instagram one random night and it started with “my long lost friend” After dating long distance for a short time, Me and Willow packed up the car and were headed to Florida. Shortly after living in Florida, we adopted our Bleu boy and a couple years after that ended up with our Shea. Three and half years and 3 dogs later, here we are; the beginning of our best years yet.

A perfect proposal with Willow, at the same beach we used to go to. I imagined this moment for so long and it was absolutely beautiful.