Peter and Maddie met at Eagle Lake Summer Camp in 2018. Camp crushes are hardly unusual at 14 years old, but theirs was truly unique. Instead of swerving into the typical teenage fling, they grounded themselves and set the stage for a winsome escapade. Maddie will tell you that from the start, part of her knew she would marry Peter, but neither initially pushed for that direction. They saw no need to rush. Peter would tell me when we were kids that when it came to dating, he wanted to “get it right the first time.” I don’t know if I should credit their general disdain for personal drama, or a level of awkwardness only found among homeschooled adolescents, but something gave them the tools to make that week only the beginning. The months following camp were filled with phone calls and emails between our friend group. At the time, we did not have driver’s licenses or smartphones. The only way Peter and Maddie were able to see each other was at group events whenever a parent was willing to shuttle all of us around town. This fostered a deep friendship between all of us, but it was evident the two of them were hoping for something a little more, though they did not realize the other felt the same. Well, I was the first of our friends to get a Driver’s License and was quickly enlisted as the unspoken chaperone. The three of us went on quite a few adventures, but I eventually grew a little tired of their constant glances when the other wasn’t looking. That, as well as me being less adverse to drama, made me push them to come forward to the other, which they finally did after years of friendship. The next time I saw them, they had a very surprising conclusion that shook my confidence as a matchmaker. They had decided to not date. They had built a rare friendship they were not willing to risk by being reckless. Instead, they decided to wait one year to see if the feelings remained and were worth pursuing. I applaud their prudence, but now they couldn’t exactly be just friends either. Both were impatient for the next year to pass by, but withheld from the responsibilities and privileges of a relationship. Meanwhile, I embraced my position as third wheel. I witnessed a beautiful and precious bond grow between them. We continued building memories together, and the right direction for them became clear. I was overjoyed to see them adopt the formal titles of boyfriend and girlfriend at 18 years old. I watched Peter and Maddie shape each other with their individual strengths. I cannot help but feel deep admiration. They both exhibited deep selflessness towards the other, always putting Christ first and foremost in their relationship. Over our teenage years, Peter and Maddie found a remarkable love out of a mighty friendship. I have seen it grow from innocent attraction and laughter, to a relationship able to endure the pains and sorrows that come from living in this world. As they continue in their love and ambitions, I know I will one day look back at this time the same way I look back to that week at camp; as just the beginning of their story.