Young Love, Real Life, and the Story We’re Still Writing
Brad and I have been on this journey together for over 20 years, and it’s one that started long before we knew what life or love would truly require of us. While some of our friends and family know bits and pieces, I’ve never shared the full story of how we went from preschool playmates to partners building a life together. It’s a story of young love, heartbreak, reconnection, and a love that keeps growing stronger.
Where It All Began
Brad and I grew up in the same small town, and we actually went to preschool together at his aunt’s house. Those early years were spent playing outside with his cousins—some of whom became my close friends in high school. Though we have fun memories of those days, that wasn’t where our love story truly began.
Fast forward to high school: I was a sophomore, Brad was a senior, and we started spending time together through mutual friends. We’d go to church together, play volleyball at his Nana’s house, and, of course, we spent countless hours on MSN Messenger (yes, we’re that old). He was my first real kiss, and even now, thinking back to that moment still gives me butterflies! I remember the feeling of falling in love so intensely and the memories are so vivid.
But, as young relationships do, it ended quickly. We broke up on homecoming night, and I remember being absolutely heartbroken. Again, the intensity of teenage emotions was so strong, the diary I kept was full of all of those thoughts and feelings that were swirling around. Life moved on, and just a few months later, Brad left for college.
A New Beginning
The summer before my senior year, we crossed paths again at the wedding of mutual friends. We spent a lot of time together that weekend, and something about being in each other’s orbit sparked something fresh in each of us. We spent time together the rest of that summer, but kept it mostly to hanging out with friends and a lot of flirting. That fall Brad moved back to college and we kept in touch via late night phone calls. (These were the days before texting, when you paid by the minute to talk on a cell phone. Since after 9pm was free that is when we would talk for hours.)
When Brad came home for Christmas, we spent more time together, and by my 18th birthday in January, things had shifted. He drove in that weekend to surprise me for my birthday, and it was, hands down, the best surprise to date. We spent the whole weekend together, and if my memory serves me right, that’s when we ‘made it official’ that we were dating.
Young Love in Spring
That spring was magical. Brad visited town more often, we talked constantly, and our group of friends became inseparable. He came to my senior prom, and we made so many memories during those last months before graduation. He was there for all the emotions and milestones, cheering me on as I prepared to take my next steps.
That summer, I moved to Dallas to start school closer to him, giving us the chance to truly explore where our relationship might go. I remember watching The Notebook together around that time and dreaming about a love that could last a lifetime. In my mind, our love story could rival the best Hollywood had to offer.
Looking Back
Those early days were full of excitement and careless love. We were young, hopeful, and completely clueless about what it would take to build a lasting relationship. But even then, there was something special between us—a foundation of friendship, laughter, and a shared belief in what we could become together.
Over the years, we’ve weathered challenges, celebrated joys, and built a life that reflects both our individual dreams and the ones we’ve created together. Looking back at those old pictures of us as kids, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come—from those late night phonecalls to building a family, a partnership, and a love story that still has so many chapters left to write.
Our journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been ours, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. For those who asked to hear more about our story, thank you for giving me the chance to reflect on the early days and share this piece of our lives. Here’s to more adventures, more surprises, and a lifetime of love still ahead!
