moving forward.

I am still amazed that when plans fail and things go wrong again and again, the feelings that you share for one another don't fade.

Kyle came up for a short weekend, and despite all our attempts to have a perfect weekend, there was little that actually went our way. What happened?

1. IU lost to Michigan after an amazing game. While we both fell asleep for part of the game, us hardworking student teachers, we were just as devastated by the loss. After having such a successful run, one bad call sealed their fate. Our hearts both dropped knowing how much accreditation IU might have received if they had been able to pull out victorious from the Big House.

2. The Melting Pot proved too popular a place at 8:00 pm. We had been looking forward all day to the dessert we planned on getting at the Melting Pot after our food finally settled from the tremendous homemade dinner, thanks to Mama Olson. When we finally felt there was enough room in our stomachs for a dessert we have both come to LOVE, the wait was just too long. 2 hours? Really? What did we do instead? Settled for Chili's and went home even more full than we expected.

3. Kyle having to leave after being here just one day. It's so hard driving the 3 or so hours and only being able to stay a day, but what makes it even harder is wondering how long it will be until the next visit.

What could have been a horrible weekend, turned out to be a weekend of laughter and time simply spent being together.

Life is busy and complicated, but above all else, it goes on. I find it more and more difficult to say bye to him, but then I realize that it's because my love continues to grow and we continue on the path towards our future.

For all those discouraged hearts out there, I say this: pick up your things and move forward. There is no reason to stay where you are and wonder which path to take. Trust yourself and find the courage to move in the direction you think best fits your goals and passions. Don't distrust the decisions you've made up until this point, but look to them as guidance and experience for what lies ahead.

While life is better experienced with others, know that you, too, have the ability and strength to define for yourself a path of your own. While I love Kyle and hope to continue along this path together, I know that I must have my own footprints to leave behind. We can hold one another's hands through life, but we cannot always rely on the other to carry us. Our individual strength is what makes our relationship strong.