Our story started back in 2007, we were in 7th grade and Justin went by Chip. We met at Grace Community Church in their middle school program, known then as Light Company. Chip brought his skateboard with him everywhere and would try to do every stunt anyone could think of. He was extremely entertaining. I was the emo girl who loved to sit and watch all of the fun. Friendship was easy. Well at least until Chip and I had a falling out. Fast forward to summer of 2010, Justin had dropped the nickname and seemed like a whole new guy. He and I would go to the high school summer Bible study at the church when we were available and began to be friendly again. After a few weeks of Bible study and occasionally following it up with some Rita's, we easily picked our friendship back up.

As many of you know the Hammond's are very into fairs. From Mike and Elizabeth meeting at the Maryland State Fair, to the many blue ribbons won for all the baked goods and even Lego creations, GREAT things happen at the fair for this family. So its no surprise that the Howard County fair is where things took a very positive spin for Justin and I. August in Maryland is hot and humid and the summer of 2010 was no exception. Justin had been at the fair with his family a little longer than he was interested in and I was there to enjoy my time with some of my girl friends. Justin eventually ran into us and left his family to tag along. Justin had fun doing whatever we wanted to do and if it wasn't fun yet he would find a way to make it be. After walking around for a while I decided I needed a lemonade and told the group that I would be right back. Just as I am about to leave Justin stops me and pulls out his wallet. He said he would gladly go get it for me and then asked my friends if they would like one as well. What a gentleman?! I was done. He had my heart with a single lemonade. After the fair we kept hanging out. He would have bonfires at his house and invite all of our friends. Justin would bring out his fancy stereo system, set up quilts for us all to sit on, and grill us some yummy chicken. Not too soon after Elizabeth, Justin's mom, was diagnosed with breast cancer. He had talked with his parents about how he was really interested in making me his girlfriend but they had decided now wasn't the time. His focus need to be on his family, at least for now. He let me know what was going on and I fell for him even harder, not only was he a gentleman but his family was a top priority. Justin and I still would talk everyday and hang out every week but nothing was official. Six months later March 6, 2011 Justin finally asked me to be his girlfriend and I of course said yes.