It's Almost Time

They met at age 18, just two kids trying to make a name for themselves on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Sarolyn had a crush on the cute guy who's friends described him as smart, funny, and determined, but she just watched from a distance. Brandon was "mildly interested" but didn't immediately pursue the girl everybody knew as witty, funny and always on the go. At age 19, sophomore year for them both, a friendship blossomed. Sarolyn was busy planning and participating in events, being a socialite on campus; Brandon was tirelessly trying to balance school and becoming a man of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Though both busy, they made time to have meaningful conversations about life and what they wanted their futures to hold. The conversations went on without end, and before the spring semester of 2013 was over, Brandon insisted that Sarolyn be his girlfriend. After that it was as if time had flown by and stood still at the same time. The two have been absolutely inseparable. Sarolyn became a regular at Sunday dinner with Brandon's family, and he was the center of conversation when she caught up with her family and friends on holiday breaks. They have made so many great memories together: graduating, concerts, movie premieres, UAB homecomings, traveling to Mexico, their first MLB game, SEC Championship games, holidays, and lifelong friendships. He knew she was the one, and she knew it too--she just didn't know he was ready for the next step. He respectfully asked her father for her hand in marriage and he did not contest it, so he went on to plan for several months how to make it special. Sarolyn was surprised by family and friends on the eve of her 24th birthday with dinner and laughs at her favorite restaurant. To top off the evening, as everyone sang her "Happy Birthday" Brandon dropped to one knee with a beautiful cake adorned with an engagement ring. What an amazing journey these two have had, and with God's help it has only just begun.