Wherever We Land

In first grade, my world was simple, my worries were small, and my heart was pure. I remember sitting at my little desk, my feet dangling off the ground because they couldn’t quite reach. Directly in front of me sat a boy who, to my first-grade heart, was the epitome of charm and perfection. His name was Buddy.                                              

Buddy never knew I existed. He was too busy being a boy—running around at recess, swapping baseball cards, and not giving a second thought to the quiet girl who sat behind him in class. But to me, Buddy was everything. I would daydream about him, imagining that one day he would turn around, notice me, and we’d be best friends forever. Little did I know then that this innocent infatuation was what they called “puppy love.”

Puppy love, as I later learned, is the first brush with affection that many of us experience in our early years. It’s sweet, it’s simple, and it often fades as quickly as it begins. As I grew older, Buddy faded from my thoughts, replaced by new experiences and new faces. Life went on, and with it came new adventures, new challenges, and new loves.

Fast forward to my late twenties, I met Snatcher. Our meeting wasn’t extraordinary. There were no fireworks, no love-at-first-sight moments. It was a slow, steady burn, a friendship that grew into something more. He wasn’t the boy who sat in front of me in class, oblivious to my existence. He was the man who saw me, truly saw me, for who I was. He loved me for my quirks, my strengths, and even my flaws.

As Snatcher and I grew together, we also grew spiritually. Our bond deepened as we explored our faith, shared our dreams, and supported each other through life’s ups and downs. This spiritual growth formed a bond that no one can break, a connection that has sustained us through the years.

We dated, we laughed, we cried, and eventually, we decided to embark on the journey of life together. We got married on a snowy day, surrounded by family who had seen us grow as individuals and as a couple. It was a beautiful beginning to our life together.

Years have passed since that day, and our love has grown and evolved in ways I never imagined. Together, we have three wonderful children who have brought immeasurable joy and chaos into our lives. Watching them grow, I sometimes think back to my first-grade self, the little girl with a crush on the boy who didn’t know she existed.

Today, Snatcher and I enjoy traveling and exploring the great outdoors. Whether we’re hiking through forests, camping under the stars, or discovering new places, these adventures have brought us closer and created memories we’ll cherish forever.

That innocent crush was my first step into the complex, beautiful world of love. It was the foundation upon which I built my understanding of relationships and affection. And though Buddy never knew of my existence, his unknowing role in my journey is something I cherish.

Love is a journey, not a destination. It begins with puppy love and grows into something far more profound. My journey has led me to a place of joy, contentment, and deep connection, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Snatcher, our children, and our shared love of adventure have made this journey truly remarkable.