Totus Tuus Ego Sum

Jalyn and Charley first crossed paths their freshman year at TCU Catholic, where both found themselves drawn into a new family. Their group of freshies quickly became fast friends and spent many hours together their first year of college–watching movies, walking back from Newman nights, playing games late into the evening. Both Charley and Jalyn also found themselves growing as leaders in this community, and it was as President//Vice President that their relationship truly began. Now, if you ask Jalyn today, she will tell you that she had a massively secret crush on Charley since freshman year, but she was so in denial that she didn’t realize it until Charley asked her out (all very true! Ask her friends too!). How did he first ask her out, you may be thinking? At their final President/VP meeting before Thanksgiving break, Charley had a special line written just for Jalyn at the end of his weekly email that she was proofreading. When she finished reading, she simply gave the computer back to him. A blank stare came in return from Charley as his heart continued to pound. He gave it back to her, saying she missed something. Jalyn immediately panicked–her first thought, “Oh no, I didn’t read one of his jokes at the end!” Nope, instead it read “Can I buy you dinner some time?” To some people, this might be an obvious “asking out.” Jalyn instead looked at the screen, looked at Charley, looked back at the screen, then asked, “What?” Cue Charley fumbling as he tries to explain that he is indeed asking Jalyn out (Jalyn is so confused because she NEVER would’ve guessed this; again, HIGHLY in denial about her feelings). Once he says the word “date,” it clicks for her, and she says “Sure.” This was just the start of a wonderful love story. It was the end of the Fall 2024 semester, so timing was a bit funky, but after their second date during finals week, Charley asked Jalyn to be his girlfriend (well, he technically didn’t ask, but if you really want to know how it went down, we can talk about it another time 😉). They spent all of Christmas break “long distance,” but both began to realize this relationship was something special. Charley helped orchestrate a surprise party for Jalyn’s 21st birthday, and Jalyn was just happy Charley survived meeting her mother. In the months following, Jalyn and Charley continued to grow in relationship, keeping their faith at the root of all they did. They had wonderful times making pasta, introducing Charley to hikes, decorating his room, and frequently just chatting with one another. In May, Charley made the fateful decision to visit her family in Arizona, and was greeted by the infamous "Congats on parole,” “Welcome home from prison,” and “Free John Thomas III” posters at the airport. A few months later, Jalyn made the exchange trip to Illinois, with no signs this time. They finished nine of their thirteen Summer 2025 Bucket List tasks and couldn’t be happier.

As senior year began, both started to settle into their final year of college–Jalyn now as a teacher, and Charley as he narrowed in on more Computer Science projects. They made many a memory at football games, celebrating Charley’s birthday, spending time with their Newmie friends together, and soaking in the little, ordinary moments when they could. Over Christmas break, Charley once again made the fateful decision to AZ, this time with a little more weight in what he would ask of Jalyn’s parents. In true Gryskiewicz fashion, the couple was met at the airport with Jamie and Kitt (Jalyn’s mom) in blow-up dinosaur suits. There were lots of laughs! They once more soaked up the time in AZ together, and Charley left with that yes 😉. As their last semester of college began and their adult futures quickly approached, Jalyn and Charley remained committed to enjoying their time together and finding joy in every day the Lord gave them. They kept track of these things via their Star Chart (can you tell Jalyn is an education major? (and now certified teacher!!)). Through the highs and lows the semester brought them, they remained steadfast in loving one another and loving the Lord. They made many memories exploring the town, cooking from home, and picnicking outside. As the semester wound down, Jalyn found herself on edge, wondering when he was going to ask the big question–after all, she knew he got his first “yes” already in December. She wanted it to be a surprise, and yet she had specific requirements, so she was always thinking, “Is this it?” Remember how we said Jalyn was in denial about her crush on Charley? Well, she’s pretty good at putting herself in denial in general, so when the TCU Catholic Spring 2026 Retreat came about, she had no clue she was going to be asked a question quite soon. There were minor, minuscule hints throughout the weekend, but come Sunday afternoon, she was in complete surprise to see the man that she loved waiting down at the dock for her, with a ring in his pocket. To no one’s surprise, she said yes. Since then, time flew by in the school year–Holy Week, Easter, the last weeks of college classes, new Newman opening, Dead Week celebrations, and finally, graduation. They both did it!! Jalyn was able to watch Charley cross that stage, and even though Charley couldn’t be present for hers (darn timing of ceremonies), Charley’s big cardboard head was there to support Jalyn. The very night they graduated, the Reavley and Gryskiewicz clans mixed for the very first time, and, well, they think it went well! As their wedding approaches, Jalyn and Charley remain devoted to loving one another so as to imitate Christ for their future spouse, and it brings them both such joy and peace to be journeying towards their union. They cannot wait to see what the Lord will continue to bring them!