I met Amanda when I was in 8th grade and she in 7th. I don't remember many details from the "getting to know you" stage because very soon I had fallen in love with Amanda and her family. I spent at least one day every week and sometimes more with them for years. One of the most valued lessons I learned from spending so much time with her was love, how to speak it, express it, and my favorite, how to embrace it. I am fortunate that God connected our families.