We first met way back in art school at the University of Texas 18 years ago! The timing wasn't right back then but we never forgot each other. Years went by and then...enter Covid lockdown of 2020. Jason discovered a ceramic bowl cleaning house that Lauren had gifted him, one she made in art school. He texted her a picture of her name inscribed on the bottom and the rest is history. We had Saturday facetime dates for months before we saw each other in person for the first time again in almost 20 years. Covid brought us back together and for that we are eternally thankful.

It was a beautiful Tennessee March day and the weather was perfect for a hike. Jason mentioned day tripping to the Big South Fork near Kentucky to hike the Twin Arches trail. We arrived at the visitor center and the ranger casually stated as we bought our souvenir patches, "Let me know if you see any bears, it's still a bit early but there's been some sightings." Oh yes ma'am, if we come head on with a bear, we will surely stop to call you. Lauren had no background into the trails offerings but was stunned coming upon the sheer size of the first rock arch. Words cannot describe how incredible and magnificent it was. We explored all the nooks and crannies before heading on with the 5 mile loop ahead of us to the next arch. It was surely beautiful terrain but we were both hot and exhausted by the end of it. Arriving at that second arch was such a relief that Lauren didn't think twice about Jason kneeling down to investigate his tactical waist pouch (or fanny pack as some refer to it). She walked up to him unknowingly and he swung around, grabbed her around the waist and presented a shiny gold band. The sweetest words were said and of course she cried and said "Yes!" to spending the rest of our lives together.