Starting in 2003, we began the long road of our relationship. Before we even started going out, we knew what values and desires we each held & what trials we both had faced in prior relationships. I think that is what has helped us be the people we are today. It is kinda funny how it all started at a high school football game - and then a highschool Tolo dance!
When we began dating, things happened so fast. Trips to the Space Needle, Florida, getting sun burned , headaches, flowers and that 'young love' feeling. You taught me about backpacking, hiking & camping in the great outdoors. Things were fun, crazy and everything about our relationship even back then, was pointing towards a bright future . I began to see myself with you, and never again alone. "We" would catch fish even though it was always you who caught them, and never me; drives over the pass, snowmobiling, trips to Baker Lake, Sun Lakes and Chelan… Senior year of high school was a blast - always skipping assemblies, class & lunches to walk back to your house and do absolutely nothing. I'm surprised we never got caught! Graduation came, and then real life started.
I never felt so close to anyone in my life before. College life came & went for me, but for you - you stuck with it. Although I do have to say, I did a lot of your homework over the years... I moved out for a brief period, totaled my car, moved back home and all the while you stood there by my side helping where it was needed, being a shoulder to cry on, and forever saying "everything will be alright". Not to mention, the smile on your face never faltered – it never has mattered how bad any circumstance was, you've always found the best in it.
Then in the Fall of 2006, when Grandpa passed away. You were there when I needed you more than anything. I’ve always believed Grandpa knew when you showed up that day, he held on to his last breaths until he knew you were holding me in your arms. Grandpa always made fun of you(in a good way), teased you about getting a job and making a good life for us. He knew you were good to me; to me, just knowing that he approved of you meant more than anything in my entire life, especially since he will not be able to walk me down the aisle at our wedding.
Last year,Spring of 2007, was your accident. Spending the next 10 weeks, driving to Seattle everyday. I brought pictures of us to your hospital room, hoping it would make it so you would never feel lonely. There was always a piece of me, longing to be in that hospital bed and be the one hurting – not sitting back and watching you helplessly struggle through the pain and hurt. I also contemplated what things would be like without you there anymore. I knew Grandpa and God had their hands on you, and knew I couldn’t bear to be without you in my life.
This past year has been a blur as I know the next year will be too as we prepare for the wedding. I still enjoy spending days with you, just doing absolutely nothing - as long as we have each other things have always seemed to work out.
I am so excited, and ready to begin our lives together and to become your wife. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the future, and all the more memories we will share along the way.
I love you Steve, always and forever.