When I was in High School, I would stop into the Smoothie King in Bedford at least once a day. Being an athlete, it became a regular part of my routine. I didn't realize it at the time, but my Caribbean Way addiction was the very start to an amazing love story. In the fall of 2004, I had to have surgery to have a saliva gland removed. The surgery temporarily distorted half of my face and gave me a regular excuse to fuel my smoothie habit. Even though Jake had worked at the SK location down the street from my home since 2002, I was entirely too shy to have engaged him in any meaningful way. Being the friendly professional that he is, Jake was always very kind and very patient when dealing with customers. One day, soon after my surgery, while I was still in pain and feeling very self-conscious about my face, I went in and placed my regular order. I'm not sure what was different about that day, but Jacob was just so kind, offering to make me an extra smoothie to take to my mother. Now, my mom is not a smoothie kind of gal, but the gesture alone was all I needed and for the first time in my life, I had a feeling. I couldn't articulate it at the time, but I knew something was different. That kind moment with Jacob wasn't just a nice encounter with a cute boy, for us, it was a seed being planted. Fast forward to the Valentine's Day of 2005. That year, one of the school clubs (either Student Council or Class Council) offered Valentine grams for students to purchase for one another. I don't know why, but my gut said "do it." After school, I brought the young, hot store manager at my local Smoothie King a carnation and a package of Big Red gum to complete my Valentine offering. I walked in and when Jake appeared, I managed to stutter something incoherent about wanting to be friends. Jake found my awkward attempt to make a new friend very charming. He asked me out a month later in March and the rest is history!

In the 13 years since we met, Jacob and I have been best friends, family and the reason that either of us have made it this far. His love, compassion and patience have shaped me into a better woman. He has taught me what respect and forgiveness mean and the importance of trust and transparency. For him, Jake says I’m the Murtaugh to his Riggs, the Hahn to his Chewy, the Gamora to his Star-Lord. 😂 Together, we've shown each other what true love looks and sounds like. It's taken us years of trial and error to figure it out, but we are so happy we have. From the moment we met, we knew that we were soulmates. 13 years in and forever to go. We are so happy to take this step in our journey and excited for everything that comes next! Your love and support mean the world to us. Thank you for celebrating #BecomingBasham