Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star?

I just wanted to mention how much I admire strong couples and their beautiful, relationships and most importantly- trust & love. I look at young women like Allyce and see her still head over heels for a man- her husband, miles & miles away fighting for our country, regardless of living a few days or even months without him. I see Casey counting down the days, but still having the time of her life. I swear time flew by & that boy was back to holding her for a week or two. Not once had Casey ever doubted her relationship, not once had Allyce complained. I see high school sweet-hearts like Becca & Miles and Chelsea & Justin, who are still young & going strong. Then there's high school sweet-hearts like Carla & Colin who have been together for years and are getting married so soon, it's crazy- the good kind of crazy.

There's so many people who throw "I love you" around like it's a mass text, so many people who throw it all away, so many people who forget what love is really about. Whenever I forget, I think about the couples who I mentioned and how imperfect their relationship is, but how perfect their love is. It's real and I wish people would open their eyes to see that & take notes. I know I have. I won't deny that at all.

Love is...
-putting the other person before yourself
-wanting the person to be happy, regardless of your own happiness
-patient; always waiting and taking time, never rushing
-being yourself; not hiding anything
-trusting the other person to not break your heart
-loyal; your his one and only- there are no doubts
-silly; being able to laugh together at everything and even each other
-work; always willing to fix the problems at hand without leaving each other
-communication; openness & having no secrets
-happiness; the smile that will never wipe off your face
-beautiful; like the stars and the moon, nothing is more beautiful than being in love
-falling in love with each other over and over again, every day
-looking past someone's imperfections and still wanting to be with them
-fearless; no doubts, no regrets, just diving in head first to whatever is throw your way
-encouraging; always lifting the other person up
-funny; no matter what mood- you can make them laugh & even laugh at yourself
-thrilling; even if you're just holding hands
-confident; always believing in the other person
-strength; you'd rather fight with that certain someone than kiss someone else
-romantic; being head over heels every time you kiss
-willing; if you don't want to do something- you'll do it anyway for that certain someone
-forgiving; continuing to love them even if they hurt you

The list goes on & on, I just wanted to write this blog because I want people to know that there is hope, there is a fairy-tale love out there and that there is a certain someone out there for you. Don't settle for less than you deserve.

You find a way to replace my pain with love.

I think it must be the rain falling on my rooftop, puddles in the pavement, splashes from the tires of cars driving by, that has made me want to sit down, reflect on my life & talk to God.

This time, last year, I was sitting in Psychology class. It was my senior year and first year of not having my boyfriend, Tommy, at school with me. I was nervous about it, but God gave me the most beautiful, three friends a girl could ever ask for- Chelsea, Becca and Kristen. The times that I share with them are probably all in my top ten favorite high school memories.

The year before that, I was a junior- figuring out who I was and supporting my boyfriend, Tommy, as he conquered his senior year of high school. It was probably my hardest year. I lost my best friend the summer after Junior year. It destroyed me. My heart was in pieces on the hospital floor, saying bye to his handsome face. I had Melissa & Tommy though, who loved me- even when it was hard.

2 years ago, I was a sophomore. I was struggling with who I was at my old school. I couldn't figure out why I was at school. I didn't care about anything. I had Timmy by my side at school and that's all that really mattered to me besides barely passing my classes. I had a boyfriend, Austin, who I faced some struggles with in my life. The struggles weren't his fault. They were just challenges thrown my way that I had to face or runaway from. I kept choosing to run. I kept running and running until I ran into Tommy- who changed it all.

Today, I'm a high school graduate & freshman in college- living my life fearlessly. I may not have the same people in my life that I did in the past, but I am thankful for every memory that I've had with them. God has a way with situations. They're handcrafted and beautifully made. He has all the details painted out. I have found where I belong.