For those that are close to us and know us well, you know Alonzo and I have been through more than most. From crazy kids to losing touch to a pandemic to a long distance relationship, we are and always will be my favorite love story. Let's start from the beginning. Alonzo and I met back in 2015 at a bonfire. I remember that night, seeing Alonzo across the room and telling the friend I was with, "Who is that? I have to go up to him." Alonzo had no clue who I was this first night we met, but I did just that. At the end of the night I said my rounds of goodbyes and I went right over to him, introduced myself and said goodbye right after (little did he know..he was going to wife me up). After that night, I am not sure how long it was before we became mutuals on social media. We kept in touch and saw each other again at a few gatherings. We began talking all the time and having great conversations about our childhoods and our goals. We had so much in common, I was really crushing on the kid. But as I started with we were crazy kids. Both very young, we were talking a little too much and we decided to slow things way down. By way down I mean completely. A few weeks later after not speaking much, we ran into each other at another gathering and things picked up right where we left off. This cycle repeated itself a few times. Talking all the time. Not talking. Talking all the time. Not talking. Tiring, I know. I must say back then our communication skills really were lacking. LOL. We both decided to be friends from a distance and lost communication for a while. During that time we both matured and grew as individuals. Realizing what we wanted and what we did not want for our future. Fast forward to Summer of 2019. A mutual friend of ours had a graduation party. This was the first gathering we ran into each other in probably almost two years. Once we started having conversation at this gathering, things picked up like no time was lost. I left that gathering with old feelings coming to the surface and decided to tell him it was really nice seeing him. Well after that day, we did not miss another day. In October 2019, Alonzo messaged me inviting me to a football game he was playing in. I went and cheered him on and we had a blast! After that night we became inseparable. We were talking all the time. Making plans to see each other almost every weekend. In December 2019 a friend of ours had another gathering that we were attending. Before we went inside, Alonzo pulled me to the side and asked me to be his girlfriend. I remember jumping up and down like a little kid and just smiling ear to ear the whole night. I was just so happy and cared about him so much. That was the re-start to our love story. Fast forward a few months and I'm sure you know what happened next. Just 4 months later in April 2020, the pandemic hit. We went some time not seeing each other to be safe and keep those around us safe which was tough, but we powered through. We had a great summer together. At the end of October 2020, Alonzo had an opportunity that relocated him out of state. We went a few months without seeing each other. But after some time he was able to visit once a month. This opportunity took him to a few different states for a period of time. It wasn't always the easiest, but Alonzo promised me that our time was almost here. Fast forward again to March 2022, Alonzo got the call he was able to come home earlier than we both expected! I remember receiving that news and instantly crying so many tears of joy! For the first time in over two years we were able to see each other more than a few days a month. We had an amazing summer filled with beach days, nights with friends, concerts, and so many memories that I will cherish forever. Fast forward to December 24, 2022, and Alonzo kept his promise. I thank Jehovah every day for bringing us together and keeping our relationship strong. Now the countdown is on until our forever! xoxoxo