Things began in the fall of 1999, when these two love birds first got to know each other during the St. Croix Lutheran High School production of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". They began dating the following February after a group of one act plays that they were in together. Of course, Aaron had to wait his turn to take Jenni out, as she was in high demand! On their first date, Aaron had to have Jenni back in time for another date! (true story)
That spring, they met each other's parents, went to the Spring Formal together, and began the neverending process of learning about each other.
The next fall, Aaron went off to Wisconsin Lutheran College, and Jenni remained in Minnesota to finish her time at Saint Croix. Jenni and her forever supportive parents drove out there to visit Aaron and see several football games each year. Those times spent together are some of the most cherished times the two have spent together, as they were few and far between.
During the three years that they were 330 miles apart, there were many tough times to fight through. The couple used almost 20,000 minutes of long distance time to share their lives with each other, and between everyone driven almost 30,000 miles to be together.
Through all of this, it has been Jenni's parents who have be very helpful and supportive, having driven Jenni back and forth and allowed her to use the phone for so many hours during the past three years.
Finally now, Jenni and Aaron are near to each other again. Although they both maintain busy schedules, they meet every day for breakfast, chapel, dinner, and for some free time in the evenings.
Looking back at the almost four years of their relationship, it has been an amazing journey that few couples would endure during volatile times in their lives. It is not only a credit to the couple, but also to their loving and supportive families that were instrumental to everything.
To our families and friends, thank you! You have helped to give us each other, the one gift that will remain with us for the rest of our lives.
