Grow Old Along With Me, The Best Is Yet To Be

Kaleb and Julia both worked night shift at the local hospital. She, a nurse fresh into her career, and he, a monitor technician on a critical unit. Julia floated to Kaleb’s unit for a shift. Both were tied to others and neither were searching. Julia did note however, that Kaleb was kind, thoughtful, and polite to all who he encountered. ……. Flash forward 2 years later……. Julia and Kaleb both single and both suggested to the other by a mutual friend. Julia made the first move. Shocker. Kaleb, quite the avid gardener, posted a photo of the extra yield from his garden. Julia offered to take some potatoes, and a short commenting spree turned into overnight texting, then phone calls neither wanted to end, and finally a first date. To this day, Julia has yet to get any potatoes…

It was a very hot and sunny fall day. Kaleb and Julia had decided to go to a local pumpkin patch for pumpkins to carve for Halloween. Kaleb had an old beater truck that you could see the road through the floorboard, Julia offered to drive. Julia pulled into the front of the house and Kaleb suddenly bursts through the door and runs down the hill. He quickly gets into the car, hands her a bouquet of flowers and said “we have to go, my mom is pulling up.” He did not want her to meet his mom on the first date so they left promptly. The day was filled with laughter, pumpkin picking, and small moments that would change both their lives forever.

Julia and Kaleb purchased a home the past summer. They planned a party to celebrate the adventuring start of being homeowners. Julia had approached Kaleb a few months prior with a challenge. “Come up with a song that sounds like the way you love me.” Kaleb is a wonderful guitarist and has a knack for coming up with soulful little melodies. OK, back to the party. All of our family and some close friends came to celebrate. In the middle of a house tour Julia was suddenly grabbed by Kaleb and he insisted she come outside right that minute. Kaleb had set up a slideshow and a song began to play. He announced that this was the song he wrote that reminded him of her and thanked everyone for coming. He wanted to make this house a home, so he shakingly got down on one knee and presented the ring. He was so nervous he couldn’t even ask the question. She quickly said “YES!” to keep him from passing out. The house warming party instantly turned into an engagement party.