Summer 2022. I had just arrived home from traveling when I received a call from my mom. She was at Oakridge summer camp with her ministry Little Light Christian School and was telling me about how much fun the kids were having and wanted me to come visit her there for lunch. Then she said “There’s also the cutest girl here who works with the camp named Jaime, I heard her speak last night and she was great! I think you’d really like her.” With a big eye roll I told her that I told her I would come to lunch to visit but don’t make it weird or anything cause I didn’t need to be set up and besides I was very busy at work so I wouldn’t be able to stay long.

When I got to lunch later in the week Jaime to my surprise walked up, introduced herself and even sat by me. She was beautiful and so kind. I was so struck by how effortless our conversation was even though it was brief. There was something different about her.

In an hour when I left I added her on social media so we could hopefully talk more. Not wanting to be a creep or overeager I resisted commenting on pics until one day I saw a picture about a snow cone stand and decided to comment which then led to us talking regularly as time allowed.

Not too long after, I got up the nerve to ask Jaime to coffee. She said yes! But it would be about a month or so after she was done traveling and had time etc. Of course, we continued talking and a week or so later I spontaneously asked her if she thought she might could meet up before she left town if I drove to Chickasha… She said yes! We decided on a local shop there that she liked called Viridian.

I was so nervous. I don’t know why – I don’t get nervous about most things (especially talking) but like I said this seemed different. I showed up to Viridian 20 minutes early so I could make sure I sat in just the right seat. After changing seats at least 3 times (the workers had to think I was a complete weirdo) I settled on a comfortable tale by the wall. The conversation was just wonderful, and I found myself thinking how much I enjoyed just sitting with her and discussing life. When the coffee shop finally kicked us out after closing time I realized that I didn’t want to leave without knowing I could see her again. So I once again mustered my courage and asked her if she would want to go on a date when she got back in town. She said yes!

The night of our first date was amazing. Even though I was super nervous (again), it was the most fun I’d had in years. Probably one of my favorite things about Jaime is how much fun we have together just laughing and talking, and it has been this way from the beginning. Many more dates followed, and our relationship definitely blossomed into full bloom.

In November before she traveled for Thanksgiving, I decided it was time to make our romance exclusive so she could officially say she had a “boyfriend”. (She had slipped and called me that a few times before ;) but I wanted it to be deliberate and intentional.) So on November 5th I asked if she would be my Girlfriend. She said yes!

After one of the best holiday and Christmas seasons ever (and much prayer), I decided that this was probably my forever person. There was only one thing left to see – how would we handle the stress of the summer camp season as a couple. While it wasn’t easy, the summer was much less difficult than I had expected! I enjoyed the time spent at camp and even learned to enjoy the drive to Anadarko as a time to relax and decompress from work. Coming out on the other side of August I knew that this was the right person and the right time. So on September 7th 2023 I asked Jaime to marry me - and – She said yes!!

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