Never say Never

Never say never. I had been told by several people to never say never about any aspect of your life because the never would actually happen. However, 7 years ago, I had said never to considering Michael Shepherd as a mate. He and I grew up together and were crazy kids. I had the biggest crush on him, but I didn't think he returned the feelings. So I said never and went on with my life. He and I grew up and conquered school and matured and one day I randomly sent him a text. That text lead to facetimeing and eventually us meeting face to face. When we met, it was strange how much I wanted to know him and how the word "never" had left my mind. We talked and talked and decided to start dating. Both of our families are close to each other, so we made sure to date with Christ in mind and our families' relationships. Dating brought road trips, movie dates, study dates, long walks, workouts, and snuggles. Over the course of a year, I fell in love with the man I said never to. 
In August of this year, Michael began to write me letters. (Anyone who knows me knows how fabulous this is!!) These love letters became a source of constant happiness and I anticipated each one. I had no clue these letters contained the question I had been aching to hear ever since I was a little girl. I simply thought they were love letters sent to me by the man who loved me. I didn't give Michael credit for looking so far into our future to begin his plans in August. However, that's just what he did!
On November 22, 2017, I had 13 of the 14 letters needed to spell out "Will you marry me?" It was on that day that Michael and I went for a walk to my favorite spot on my grandparents' land. The old cross on the hill has been the place I've wanted to get married at ever since I could remember. I bounced around the cross telling Michael how our wedding would be set up. He just stood still and smiled as I went on and on and on, just knowing that in a few minutes we'd be engaged. He called me over to the cross and asked if we could practice exchanging the rings. I didn't think anything was suspicious and bounded over to him. He removed the promise ring he made and gave to me back in April. I still didn't think anything was happening. Then he slid a new ring on my finger. By the time I realized that the new ring had a diamond and was all glittery, Michael was on his knee and clearing his throat to speak. I fell to the ground and began crying and hugging him. He told me to stand back up, but through tears I told him I couldn't. I was so overwhelmed by his love for me. I kept crying and laughing and crying. He whispered his proposal in my ear and I think I said "yes" at some point! 

So here we are. After saying never 7 years ago, we are madly in love, seeking God daily, and about to start a family of our own!

The Girl with the Horse in her Yard

She laughs and the sun shines more brightly. She is like the wind; wild and unpredictable. She goes where she wants when she wants and is never too busy for adventure. 

When I first met her, she shocked me with her adventurous life, and I was hesitant when she invited me to be a part. On our first outing together, she jokingly forced me around Walmart to carry her items as her little servant. We still laugh about that day and joke about her uncharacteristic harshness. Her room has always been a little safe haven for me. It's held many tears cried in her presence as well as bunches of laughter. There was the time we decided to paint her ceiling in 105 degree heat. The paint barely stuck to the wood and we were covered in droplets of white paint. 

Another time we worked for two hours pulling apart a lamp she had to hang wires and bulbs above her bed to be all romantic. I also napped one day while she painted her walls. 

There's always something new happening with her. The variety she brings to my life is unmatched. I can always count on her to have an adventure in her pocket. She collects them like she collects the little metallic things she finds on the ground.  

She makes others feel genuinely cared for. It's rare to find someone so outward focused. She always inquires how you're doing first before sharing her own burdens. She carries a lot on her shoulders and never falters.
She is the reason I seek adventure in every day. She is the reason I work hard to choose happiness. When asked who will be by my side forever, I quickly respond with her name. She is a forever friend, one I will cherish always.