We originally met in 8th grade, but we didn't spend a lot of time together. He asked me to the 8th grade dance, but I had a "boyfriend" so he went hunting instead. Haha. We spent the last day of that school year together, going from classroom to classroom checking out the different events they had in each room for the celebration. Garrett remembers it fondly. Fast-forward to junior year of high school, our mutual friend, Robert Szymanski, started telling me to say, "hello," to Garrett on a daily basis. When Homecoming rolled around, I was all set to go with my best friend, Danielle, but she bailed on me the day before. Looking back at it now, I'm so glad she did. During our 3rd period American History class that day, I overheard Robert telling Garrett he should go to the dance and that he would buy Garrett's ticket if he'd agree to go. When Garrett agreed, I said, "Sooooo, Garrett, are you going to the dance? We could go together, like as friends, if you want?" Ultimately, he said, "yes," we worked out the details and it was by far the best school dance I've ever been to.

Every Year, Rob (Garrett's Bonus-Dad), gets Missy (Garrett's Mom) a "toothfairy" gift for Christmas. It's a tradition in their family where Rob will get some piece of jewelry for Missy and save it for the very last gift of the morning and it's usually hidden under her pillow. The rule is you have to grab the gift and come out in front of everyone to open in. During our 8 years together, I had never received a "toothfairy" gift so it came as a complete shock. So, Christmas morning, it was just Rob, Missy, Garrett, and I at their house to open gifts. We opened everything and Missy got her 'toothfairy" gift so I thought everything was done. I had said, "that's a tradition we should continue," when she went to get her gift, having literally no clue what was about to happen. I was admiring Missy's new earrings when Garrett said, "did you hear that? I think the toothfairy left something for you too." I was like "no way." I went and grabbed the bag that was under my pillow and brought it out, still having no clue what was in it. I opened the gift and was thinking, could this be the moment I've been waiting for? I got to the ring box and started beaming. Garrett took the box and thanked me for being so paitent with him. Everyone else was standing so I said, "should I be standing?" then stood up. Garrett got down on one knee and opened the box. I took one look at it aaannnndddd grabbed it, put it on and said, "YES!" He hadn't even asked yet.... Hahaha You could say I was a little excited! ;) He continued and said, "Christy Renae Ralston, Will you FINALLY marry me?" I said, "Yes!" again and it was absolutely perfect!! You should really see the video (courtesy of Rob and Missy)! <3

2011 - We started our relationship. 2012 - We celebrated life together. 2013 - We graduated and we to separate colleges. (Me: in Iowa, Garrett: in Alabama) 2014 - We both had surgeries in the separate states and came back to Florida. (Me: in Lakeland, Garrett: in New Port Richey) 2015 - He was working on his Associate's at PHSC while I was working on my Bachelor's at USF. 2016 - We continued working on our schooling while spending as much time together as possible. 2017 - I graduated with my Bachelor's, Garrett graduated with his Associate's. 2018 - Garrett decided to pursure becoming a Firefighter. First EMT school, then the Fire Academy. Let me tell you, it is no joke. I continued to be a constant in his life and stayed at Publix. 2019 - Garrett graduated from the Fire Academy and was completely certified for everything! He started working for AMR (EMS) and volunteering for Pasco County Fire Department while applying to Fire Departments to go career with. Not long after, AMR did a random shift bid and got rid of Garrett's shift. It really put a damper on things, but we pushed through. In November, Garrett got hired with Polk County Fire Department and it felt like FINALLY our lives could begin! Garrett later proposed on Christmas Day!!!