I absolutely LOVE reading blog posts about how people met and since it’s Valentine’s Day, I thought today would be the perfect day to share our story!

Here it is:

When my husband, Mike, and I are asked the question, “how did you guys meet?” My mind drifts off to thinking about how God had this wonderful plan that started back in eighth grade when all of a sudden I am abruptly awoken by the voice of Mike responding, “a vanilla ice concert!” While his words are true and it often leads to a good laugh, I can’t help but scrunch up my nose and give him that “you didn’t just say that, did you?” look. Luckily, this is my blog and I can ramble about our love story however I see fit.

Let’s see where was I? Oh yeah, it all started in eighth grade when I decided it would be fun to join the cross-country team. I tried plenty of sports up until then and had yet to find one I was truly passionate about. That summer I started running with the team and immediately fell in love. I loved everything about it! I loved pushing myself, running fast, and being competitive. If someone was to ask me what I was passionate about or what my hobby was, running was always the answer. It consumed my whole life in the best way possible. In fact, it was the reason I was able to go to the University of Notre Dame. I was lucky enough to be offered a full scholarship and after going on my official recruiting visit and thinking it over with my parents, the decision was simple…Go Irish!

(Now, you may be wondering where Mike fits into all of this. Well, he doesn’t. Not yet anyway.)

I ran at the University of Notre Dame for 4 wonderful years. I was very dedicated to the sport and was wiling to do whatever it took to be successful. I am so blessed to be able to say that during that time I became an All-American! Unfortunately, all of those hard miles and intense workouts kicked me in the butt during my spring season of my senior year because I found out I broke my foot and had to red-shirt. What a bummer?! Luckily, I was able to come back for a 5^th year and run. I won’t bore you with all the nitty, gritty details, but it was not the season I was hoping would lead me into becoming a professional runner, instead I was stuck with Lyme Disease and no real idea of what I wanted to do with my future.

(Ok, I promise Mike is coming into the picture soon).

So, I moved back home to figure out what to do with my life. After a little bit of soul searching and lots of prayer time, I made the courageous decision to move more than halfway across the country for a teaching program in Colorado. This decision seemed easy for me because 1| I knew my vocation was to be a teacher and 2| I had visited Colorado twice before and had a very strong feeling that I wanted to live there at some point in my life. However, I also only knew a total of 3 people currently living in Colorado and was committing to live there for 5 years (1 year master’s program and 4 years of teaching in an underprivileged, high-needs school). Ok, so it was a little bit of a crazy decision, but it felt so right at the time and I am so glad I listened to Him.

After settling in for 5 days, one of my ex-teammates from Notre Dame (1 of the 3 people I knew) asked if I wanted to meet up at a Vanilla Ice Concert with him and his roommate. I hadn’t seen him for over a year and was in need of some friends, so “of course” quickly became my response. Obviously I didn’t want to look like I completely had NO friends, so I brought a girl with me from my program. (Another long story short, we met during interviews and both secretly hoped each other got in the program because we just ‘clicked’ so well with one another).

Immediately upon meeting Mike (who was the roommate my friend brought with him) I knew he was someone special. He made the conversation flow so easily, as if we had been friends for years. I also remember thinking he had such a great sense of humor (and smile). At the end of the night, we exchanged phone numbers and had plans to see each other that Saturday for a park day with all of his friends. In my mind, it would be a great way to make new friends and I knew I would see him again.

Saturday came rather quickly and after fumbling with what to wear, I finally decided on a black sundress. It was the perfect outfit for a hot, sunny park day or so I thought…

When I got to the park, my phone rang. It was Mike. He was checking to see where I was. Well unfortunately as I was telling him, I noticed ALL the volleyball nets and very quickly remembered that a “park day” meant “all day” volleyball and here I was walking up in a dress.   My mind was racing trying to figure out how I could apparate home, grab shorts and not look like a complete idiot. But all of a sudden I heard “Oh, I see you!”

I was so excited to see Mike, but I will never forget how embarrassed I felt about my outfit. I think that was the first time I realized how much I already liked my future husband. I mean how many people would feel haunted by an outfit choice, unless they really cared about what that person thought? Besides making a terrible outfit choice, the rest of the day was spent getting to know Mike and his friends better, which was exactly what I wanted.

Two weeks went by and as I was making plans with my friend from my program, Jordan, to go to the movies, Mike texted me asking if I wanted to go to another park day. (Side note: it was pouring rain). Decisions, decisions! I already committed to Jordan, but my heart kept saying, “Go to the park.” I also happened to be on the phone with my mom and sister and was contemplating with them about what to do. I found out later, that when my mom knew I liked himJ.

In the end, I decided to go to the movies with Jordan and then see where Mike and his friends were when it was done. After the movie ended, Mike let me know that they were ‘rained out’ and hanging at a friend’s house nearby. We all hung out there for several hours and then made our way to the notorious Cowboy Lounge where we danced together the rest of the night! As we were walking to the Light rail station, Mike grabbed my hand and pulled me in for out FIRST KISS. It felt so magical and puts a smile on my face as I think back to it.

Yes, the story continues. A week later my two best friends, Emily and Becca, were in town and we already had plans for them to meet and hang out with this new man of mine. As I think back to it, it sounds crazy considering the fact that we had hung out a total of 3 times! But, honestly I already felt like I had known him for years.

We hung out at a friend’s pool for most of the day and then decided to go out downtown. As we were downtown, at the Gin Mill, Mike pulled me aside and in a very serious tone said, I need to talk to you for a second.” I had no idea what he needed to talk with me about in that exact moment, but part of me was terrified. He brought me over to an open corner and proceeded to tell me how much fun he has been having with me and that he would like to take me out on a proper date! Yeeeaahhh! I can’t imagine that I was able to hide my excitement, but I didn’t care! I was so excited!

The next day he called me to make plans and we went out on our first date to Steuben’s. He was and still is a perfect gentleman, who will never let a moment go by where he doesn’t open the car door for me (car seat in hand and all). I am also clearly very pregnant because that made me tear up. Lindsey, focus. We talked for over 30 minutes before someone came to our table to apologize for the lack of service. We were so consumed by our conversation that neither one of us noticed. I can’t believe that was only 3 ½ years ago because I still feel completely consumed by our conversations. To wrap this all up, I never could have imagined that my life would turn out the way it did. I am not sure what I did right to deserve such a wonderful husband and best friend, but all I can do is thank the Lord for putting the idea of running in my head 15 years ago.

Happy Valentine’s Day, husband!