Everyone meets certain people in their life that change everything whether it’s a change for the better or a change for the worse. I have met many people that changed my life for the worse; I have gotten myself caught up in many situations that did not end well for me- some I got out of rather quickly and others I was stuck in for years. The saying “one day you will meet someone that makes you realize why it never worked out with anyone else” is true whether it is a romantic partner or a friend. When I look back over my life, I realize how many changes I have made to myself and those I surround myself with. I don’t keep in contact with people from high school, although I am Facebook friends with many of them, and I wish them all well. It’s nothing against them, it’s just that I have changed drastically from who I was when I knew them to who I am now. I have quite a few people from college I am Facebook friends with, but don’t keep in regular contact with them, because I have changed so much from when I knew them. You become a reflection of those you surround yourself with the most, and that’s why I surround myself with people who have similar beliefs and morals as myself.

The people who have influenced me the most are a few coworkers who have become really good friends, and one coworker that became my best friend and eventually my boyfriend. He is the first guy I have introduced to my family and they love him as much as I love him. He is the one person I have been able to trust in my life- with every secret, every hurt, every excitement and every devastation. He was there for me when my pet died and when I gave one up for adoption, he was there when my grandpa died and I got up at the funeral to talk. He has been there for me as I struggle through college and to celebrate with me when I got a new job. He is the one person who changed everything and a big reason things have happened in my life the way they did.

From a young age, I always told my mother if she wanted grand-kids or a son (my sister and I are 13 and 15 years older than our brother) that she would have to talk to my sister about that one. I always asked if puppies were adequate grand-kids for her. Once our brother was born, I told her my sister is closer to the ‘kids age’ and that our brother had a while left before he got there, but that she would have to talk to them about kids. I told friends and family for years that I would never get married or settle down- that I would travel the world and see every country before I died because that was my only desire.

A few years later, I started working at a restaurant and brewery in my town and the first day on the job I saw this guy. I immediately told myself “I’m going to marry him one day” even though I was too nervous to even talk to him. I got off work that day and went over to my friend’s house and told her what happened- she was dumbfounded as the last five years I had known her, it was very clear to both of us how I felt about marriage. It took six months, but eventually we started dating; we have been together for over a year now and know that we will one day get married. The first time we spoke about marriage and kids I realized that he is "the one" and everything fell in to place so well. He is my best friend and my significant other in one, and the reason nothing has worked out before. I realized he is the person who has changed everything.

He has taught me so much about life, love, God, but most importantly, myself. He helped me to realize that the confidence I lack isn't from myself, but from not knowing who I am in God. He has taught me that I am worth more than I could ever imagine and that I have so much potential. I stopped college and changed majors many times, but he gave me new motivation. He encouraged me to get back in to school and finish my degree so we can have a better future for ourselves and our kids. I used to never have dreams or aspirations, because I didn't think I could ever achieve them. He supports me when I have a dream, even when I think it is too out of reach for myself. Before I met him, the only person I had to plan for was myself. He has taught me to consider others when making decisions and that it’s okay when things don’t go the way I planned. That patience is a virtue and sometimes the best things happen when you wait on God's plans. Before I knew him, I didn't trust anyone and had a problem getting close to others. He has taught me to trust people and I have told him my deepest secrets, and my most painful memories. He has taught me what unconditional love is and showed me it's okay to love myself and how to be loved through everything. He has taught me to trust the promises people make and know that not everyone will hurt me. He found a girl that didn't believe in love and marriage and has shown me how beautiful it can be- taught me what true love is and what it means to be in love. I am thankful to have found someone that loves me when I feel I least deserve it and makes me laugh until my stomach hurts. Every once in a while, in an ordinary life, you find someone extraordinary. And sometimes, they make you want to change your life plans.