Goin’ to the Chapel and We’re Gonna Get Married

We met at our first part time job in high school. Although initially quiet, we slowly became friends by picking on each other and on whose school was better (mine). I thought he was cute, but didn’t think anything of it. Slowly, I began looking forward to our Saturday nights at work and our back and forth banter. When he asked me out on a date, we agreed to a small date at a park. I remember laying my head on his shoulder and thinking that I could get used to this... I felt at peace and at home.

After high school, we both were attending college here in Lincoln, Nebraska. When Josiah showed interest and excitement in the idea of joining the military, I got onboard and was ready to support him in any way that I could. After interviewing all branches, he found the one that today he can call home. We would write letters to each other when we could and he was always on my mind. When I saw him graduate from basic training, I knew that it was all worth it to see him standing tall and being the man I know and love, and knowing he sees what I see too.

This past holiday season is one that I will never forget. Besides being excited to see my now fiancé come home from technical school for Christmas, I would be asked a question that changed our lives forever. On Christmas Eve of 2018, Josiah had planned a whole day of activities to “make up for lost time.” In which, he retraced his steps from one of our favorite dates, which is the movies, to lunch at the restaurant where we first met, to picking out Christmas ornaments that symbolizes each year we’ve been together. Year One: A Key- The beginning of something great. Year Two: “I Love You Anyway” Heart- Despite the challenges that presented itself in year two, we learned to listen to one another and work together. We learned to grow together, be a team, and love each other anyway. Year Three: A Lion- For our bravery and commitment to one another through distance and new opportunities. All the way to exchanging presents, closing my eyes and opening them to see the love of my life down on one knee asking me to marry him. I said yes immediately, and “ Are you serious!?!” We ended the night sharing our news with our families and then driving to the same park we had our first date. We danced to love songs, knowing that someday, we would be husband and wife.