Michelle and I met in January 2005, and started dating around spring break of 2005. Probably midway through the summer of 2005, I knew she was the one and began to consider when and how I would propose.

I was a little nervous given the enormity of the moment. But I knew she would say yes.

It's really hard. I miss her like crazy all the time. However, on a positive note, I think it has been good for us. We appreciate our time together more, and I don't think I will ever take her for granted.

I won’t give my heart to another girl until God shows me it’s my wife.

Outside of note passing and the occasional tight-lipped kiss after school events, "going together" in seventh grade was pretty meaningless. You couldn't drive, had nowhere to go, and either weren't allowed or couldn't afford to do anything. I was kind of like being an old married couple, except you could control you bowels and stay awake past 8 p.m.

We owe it to our community to do it the right way.