It's Happening!!!

When Michael and I met, my first feeling about him was best described as bitter. It was 7AM and I was walking into work just to find a giant man I have never seen before, sitting at the desk of my co-worker that I really liked. So, of course, I gave him my best Katrina welcome by simply ignoring his existence and glaring at him whenever he made eye contact with me. During his first week of CUONE, Michael was a social butterfly to all of our follow co-workers. He would make jokes, tell phone stories, and everyone enjoyed getting to know him. For some reason, though, he was determined to get me to talk to him. I didn't know why, but whenever our co-worker and I would talk to each other, he would join in or he would ask me questions if he needed help. Slowly, that little sneak got me to open up bit by bit with him until I stopped glaring and actually started to talk to him. Over the months, our friendship began to form. As someone who doesn't like people much, it was odd wanting to hang out at lunch and regularly talk with someone I only knew from work. I was willing to open up to Michael about anything. It was terrifying and yet it felt right. Then, on New Years Eve 2019, after a long 8 hour drive, I get a text from Michael that he needed company and he wanted to see if I was willing to hang out. Kayla, who knew something was brewing between us, convinced me to go and so we drove throughout the night. We talked about our past, discovered we shared similar music tastes, drove close to the water, saw the Canadian fireworks, and ,eventually, ended up in Michael's old home town, Lexington, MI. After the night was done and I was back in my bed, I couldn't deny it. I was in love with this man. We would sit in his car until the sunrise and talk about anything. We would be there for each other in the good and bad. Eventually, we came to terms and realized there was no point in holding back. On January 12, 2019, Michael and I became boyfriend and girlfriend.

It was weird, jumping into something I haven't done in years, but Michael and I have been together through thick and thin. We helped each other through our worst moments and celebrated our best ones. We went on vacations and took long drives to random locations. Eventually, we got our own place and even our little fur baby, Kali. Michael has continued to be the sweetest, silliest, most loving man I have ever met. Even through some of the rough moments, he never yelled or made me feel bad for my feelings. Somehow we were, even, able to win over each other's, families, which was a big win for the both of us. In April of 2021, we decided to go visit an Bluffton, SC. I lived there for a year with Kayla and her family and wanted to show Michael an important part of my life. I didn't know the next day after we got there would be the one of the most amazing days of our life. I remember every detail of our day. We went to visit Kayla's mom for lunch and then visited the docks. After Michael let me drive around Bluffton, blasting Hozier like I used to when I first lived there. Later that night, we went to the beach and sat by the ocean watching the sunset. And as the sky began to change colors and the sun began to disappear, Michael placed a box on my lap and asked me to marry him. I was so shocked and so happy that I cried for an hour. I couldn't believe I was going to marry this wonderful man that found his way into my life. It was a day I would never ever forget.

Michael, Thank you for always loving me. I never thought in a million years I would find my forever in someone. You put up with my craziness and help me through my hard times. I know I suck at feelings, but I hope you know how happy you make me. How each morning, my day gets brighter seeing your face and each night I feel comfort by your presence. How much I love your sass or your silly jokes. How much joy it is to hear you laugh or see you smile. You take care of Kali and I so much and I don't think I could ever put into words my appreciation for you. will always cherish every little second I have with you. I cannot wait to be your wife and to go on more adventures with you. I love you so much, Michael Krupa. 💜💙 -Future Mrs. Krupa