We met at a friend’s house that winter during one of the marines’ going away parties. There were a few people there so we didn’t get a chance to really talk. A few weeks later, I messaged Justin saying we should all hang out sometime. For the first month we would take turns road tripping back and forth since we lived a little over an hour apart. Justin would also occasionally be in town for Drills since the base is here in South Bend. Fast forward a few months later, we were officially dating. Things were going well and Justin moved out here shortly after. Justin and I got engaged December 2019 and bought our first home March 2020 right as the pandemic started. Justin has been there for me through my roughest year ever...having to say goodbye to my best friend Bubba after months of treatment, my Nonni passing away suddenly (on his birthday), and a dear friend from work passing- who reminded me of a grandpa figure. We have been through some lows and many highs but I believe everything happens for a reason. <3