It all began when we were just 14 years old, right before our freshman year of high school. We met at a carwash fundraiser event, organized by the incoming freshman football and cheer/dance teams. Although we grew up in the same small town and had tons of mutual friends, we attended different elementary and junior high schools, so our paths hadn’t crossed before. But there was something undeniable about that first meeting — we were instantly drawn to each other.

When freshman year started, we found ourselves in the same history class, seated next to one another. It felt like fate, as we had both been hoping to see each other again after that first meeting at the carwash. We were both excited to be sharing the same class, and the spark we felt that day only grew stronger.

Soon after, we were assigned to work together on a project — drawing and creating a picture of Florida and its history. Tim, always with a sense of humor, drew the state in the shape of a... well, let’s just say it was quite the unexpected artistic choice. When we presented it, we couldn’t stop laughing, and both of us ended up with a “D” on the project. But that didn’t matter, because it was in that moment that Tim nervously asked for my phone number. From then on, we became inseparable.

Every day after school, Tim would walk me to the bus stop, and eventually, we shared our first kiss. Things progressed quickly, and soon after, Tim started picking me up for school every morning — even though it meant driving 10 minutes past the school to get me. He never minded, even if it meant we were a little late (and at times more than a little, because you know, chick fil a breakfast was a must).

Throughout high school, we became the classic couple: Tim, the baseball star, and me, playing tennis. By the time we graduated, we knew our paths were taking us in different directions, but we couldn’t imagine life without each other.

Tim headed off to Arkansas State on a baseball scholarship, and I went along, unsure of where the future would lead. But as college often does, it threw us some curveballs. Before our sophomore year, we went our separate ways — I moved back home, five hours away, to finish my degree at the University of Arkansas while Tim stayed behind, finishing baseball and his studies.

After Tim graduated and moved back home, I had followed a job opportunity to Little Rock. At that time, he was still in a relationship, and I was still trying to move on, dealing with the aftermath of a previous bad relationship. I thought I was starting a new chapter in Little Rock with my career, focusing on my job and my own healing.

About two years into living in Little Rock, and being in a different relationship, I found out I was expecting.

The following year, after the birth of my son, I made the decision to move home as a single mother and continued to further my career. Not long after, Tim and I's paths reconnected and he was excited to welcome both my son and I back home with open arms. His family treated me like I had never left, and it felt as if no time had passed. It was in that moment I knew I had come home, to the place and person I was meant to be with.

Three years later, we have a home, two dogs, and a family that is stronger and happier than ever. Through all the challenges, the breakups, and the time apart, we’ve always found our way back to one another. And now, we’re ready to start this next chapter of our lives — a chapter filled with love, growth, and the family we were always meant to be.

Registry