We met through our mutual friend, Ms. Courtney Buchanan. Courtney is my longest friend, we have known each other since we were 2 years old. Ironically, she has known Gordy even longer. They grew up as childhood friends, spending every summer in Indiana on Pretty Lake. Courtney received a Facebook message from her long lost friend Gordy, when we were roommates. He was coming into town to testify in a court case related to his work in the Coast Guard. Courtney asked me if I would come along as she had not seen Gordy in over 10 years. Gordy brought a couple friends and Courtney brought me. That night Courtney and Gordy caught up, and I mostly entertained his friends. We said our goodbyes and offered to meet up Friday night after work. Gordy and I spent most of that night talking and getting to know each other. That night Gordy told me "one day you will be my girlfriend." It's safe to say, one of us knew we were meant to be, way before the other. Gordy and I texted on and off for the next couple of weeks. Then, luckily, the court case got called back and Gordy was on his way back to Tampa. He asked me out and we went on our first date. We continued to talk and see each other when possible. A few months later, we took a chance and decided to start dating long distance from Florida to New Orleans. It was the best decision we ever made! We continued a long distance relationship for about 2 years before I moved up to South Bend, IN. We started our life together, got the best puppies ever (Kai and Koli), and 8 months later our next chapter will begin.

Gordy proposed to me on a Wednesday on Notre Dame's beautiful campus. It was during quarantine, so I was completely shocked to say the least. If you are familiar with South Bend the winter lasts about 7 months and during those months there are very limited days of sunshine. Gordy picked this particular Wednesday because it was warm(ish) and SUNNY! To get out of the house, we would walk with Kai around the lake at Notre Dame quite regularly. So when he asked me if I wanted to go it was nothing out of the ordinary. However, Gordy started putting on nicer clothes and I was putting on the usual: leggings, an oversized jacket, and a hat. He told me that after the walk he needed to meet with someone from the Vets Club and that's why he was wearing jeans and a nice shirt. If you know me, I gave him attitude and said well does that mean I need to dress nice. Not wanting to give it away Gordy of course said, "no you're fine." I knew that meant he wanted me to dress a little nicer, so jeans and a sweater it was. Thank goodness! We got to Notre Dame. It was a normal day, and we started walking around the lake. We brought a long leash for Kai because we were going to let him get in the water a little. As we got to the part of the lake where Gordy had planned to propose he started tying Kai to the tree as I walked to the lake to see the water. When I turned around Gordy was on his knee with Kai right next to him. I was so shocked I didn't even say anything I just hugged and kissed him. He still actually jokes to this day that I didn't officially said "yes". Then out of the trees came Gordy's brother, Max. He had been hiding, taking pictures and videos of us! He had a backpack full of champagne and glasses. We toasted and walked around campus taking pictures. It was absolutely perfect!