Photo Credit: Al Vardaro

I’m going to take you back to January 2013 for a few minutes. See that picture, there? That’s me, on the far right. And, next to me are two of the most amazing friends that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing – Drew and Katie. We, along with Al (He took this picture) went to see Silver Linings Playbook that night. One of the best movies ever, and I couldn’t think of better people to have seen it with!

Now I’m going to rewind a little further – Try six years earlier. In the fall of 2007, the three of us were just strangers to each other. The main thing we had in common was that we were all new freshmen at Longwood University.

Well, not exactly. In June of that year, Drew and Katie had met in Blackwell Hall, before it was renovated. It used to be the university bookstore. As freshmen, we all had to read this book – Klan-Destine Relationships by Daryl Davis.

That book was what brought Katie and Drew together for the first time.

Ask them about the framed receipt some time 🙂

By October 2007, they were dating.

I don’t remember exactly when I officially met them, which is super sad. But, looking at old pictures has been a blast!

It was through a mix of mutual friends – Brian Appich in particular. Here he is, with Katie and I, back in September 2010 as Longwood SENIORS!

Photo Credit: Longwood University Student

The German Club was involved. This picture was taken in September 2008! That was the beginning of our sophomore year. Wow!!

Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find a more recent picture of us. Darn it!

When we meet up next time, that will definitely have to change!

There is one particular reason why I wanted to write this post. Drew and Katie’s love has inspired me. They have been together now for over 7 YEARS! Holy cow.

Some of you may know that I went through an abusive relationship for the majority of my time at Longwood. Drew and Katie both knew John. But, even as my own relationship was spiraling downward on campus, seeing their love for each other left me in awe. The pictures above prove it.

Then I met Al in 2010, and the four of us have become so close-knit. It’s been awesome. I’m so thrilled that our friendship has endured for so long. I’m equally, if not more so, grateful that Katie and Drew have loved Al as much as I do. You guys are great!!

We’re all very busy, so we try to meet up every couple of months, since Drew and Katie are currently in a long-distance relationship. But, whenever we can, we make a plan and we get together. We ALWAYS have a fantastic time together, and every time we meet, it passes by all too quickly.

My hope is that we remain friends for the rest of our lives.

More importantly, they recently took a big step in their relationship.

After MONTHS of planning, Drew proposed to Katie almost four weeks ago.

Here’s the sweet video that was captured by Michael Phillips Photography. Have a tissue ready!

Drew’s Proposal

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂