Ten years ago, the prettiest girl I had ever seen in my nine years on the planet walked into Mrs. Jones’ fourth grade classroom at Bellwood Discovery School, and for the next three years, she was all I could think about. No joke. We played a name game in Mr. McGee’s class where you had to catch a ball, say your name, and throw the ball to someone who would then have to say their name and your name as well. Can you guess who I threw the ball to? In the fifth grade, I wrote a note asking Alyssa to go to the movies with me (which made me an absolute nervous wreck; I was scared she might say no and also, movie dates aren’t exactly fair game for a ten year old). She ultimately sent a messenger across the playground to politely turn me down, but that didn’t stop me! We were boyfriend and girlfriend on and off for three years in elementary school, but she was numero uno in my mind the whole time (still is). Like literally, for three years I just wished she would like me and that she would be my girlfriend forever because she was so awesome. I was convinced that she was the one for me! Fast forward to two years ago. She texted me out of the blue and we started talking again. I asked her to go get coffee with me, and on July 25, 2013, we met at Just Love. We talked for hours, and I’m pretty sure we both knew that it was meant to be within the first five minutes of being there. I did for sure. I’m sorry for the long, long post, but I cannot contain my excitement for the fact that I get to do life with the girl I had a never ending crush on when I was a kid. I still remember the first time we held hands at the movies seeing Turbo… I kid you not, I could not believe it. I was holding THE Alyssa Stender’s hand. This is all like a dream, but the best part is that it’s real. Can’t believe it. I’m unbelievably lucky to have her. I love you!!
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