There is Light and Beauty Up There That No Shadow Can Touch

Our first years of college were brimming with optimism and hope for the future. However, we both struggled through adversity most young people did not face. Through this time, we gave each other company and solace in an otherwise challenging time where our futures were not certain. We did not fall in love at first sight as many couples do. In fact, we were friends for almost five years before we decided to become romantically involved. During our friendship we both learned to open up to each other in ways we could not with others. Nickolas, Kylie's son immediately looked up to Dave as a role model and named several toys after him. Dave helped Kylie through the struggles that accompany attending college and working while raising a young child. We both knew we were more than friends when I was accepted into the University of Iowa. I had to move 3 hours away from him. Kylie knew she loved Dave the second he showed how grateful and surprised he was when she brought him food on Christmas. Dave started to fear Kylie's departure. However, we were very uncertain about our futures, so I continued to attend university without him. During our summer break, Kyliewent back home to see Dave. We had so many wonderful experiences together. We realized we could not be separated from one another ever again. Dave was able to quiet Kylie's mind and give her peace while Kylie boosted Dave's confidence and his ambition. We became a couple exactly six years before our wedding date. We decided the best way to honor that day was to become husband and wife on our anniversary. We have spent eleven years together and we have gone from friends, partners, parents to Nickolas, and finally husband and wife. We are excited to finally have the family we always dreamed of and are grateful to find love and companionship. We learned through each other that good existed in this world.