10.31.2026

Picture this: The year is 2016 and I am in Buffalo, NY wrapping up my first year of graduate school for the world's greatest career (Occupational Therapy). I walked to the campus computer lab and googled, "camp working with children with disabilities" as I was highly interested in having a fulfilling summer job that would prepare me for my new career path. The first link that popped up stated the 3 words that would forever change my life, "The Painted Turtle". The magic of this camp was so palpable that I felt it through the computer screen! Within minutes of scrolling the website, I knew I HAD to work there. I was beaming... until I realized that the deadline for applications had already passed. I was crushed. But in an uncharacteristic moment, I left my belongings by the public computer and ran out of the building as I dialed the camp phone number listed. A man answered the phone and immediately urged me to apply anyway. That man is the same man I now get to call my fiance :) A few weeks later, I excitedly accepted the job of Woodshop lead (and reluctantly had to sell my once-in-a-lifetime Justin Bieber concert tickets) and packed my bags to head to the Golden State. That's where I first laid my eyes upon Tim during camp orientation. I'll never forget sitting next to him while he lectured us on the importance of adding fun to any situation possible. He spewed these wonderful sentiments all while eating a bowl of blue dyed cereal which was simultaneously staining his tongue, lips, and beard. I was in awe of him from that moment on.

I had it all planned out and she had no clue it was coming. I was so smart that I even told her not to wear her new matching sweat outfit in case it got paint on it (I learned later that women want to be in their cute clothes for proposal pics, who knew?). We had met at camp 10 years ago, so what better place to propose than where it all began. We were just going up for the day; a group of friends were up there having a time and invited us- a perfect cover! We had just got a ring, I had talked to her parents, I whipped up a special ring box on the lathe, and all that was left was to ask the question. I had notes in my jacket pocket of what to say and do, here are a few examples: - Get to your spot! - DON’T WEAR YOUR HAT - Right angle knee bend I was running over it all day and had it down. I had sent our sneaky photographers out there already to help catch the moment to support with Karlee’s steel-trap memory, and they texted that the light was perfect, it was time! Some athletes, actors, high performers, will tell you that they are nervous until the moment the action starts- welp, that is not me. My nerves did not disappear, and with the best of intentions, I got to my spot. I forgot everything else, but, dang it, I got to my spot. With hat still on, horrible knee placement, fumbling over my words multiple times, I thank the Lord that Karlee loves me for me, because she said yes (I got it in writing just to make sure). And in the end- through 10 years of adventures, miscues, laughter, tears and everything else, we made it to our spot!