To my wife who I love dearly,

Fall semester of 2011, our lives were forever changed. I enrolled in as a transfer sophomore and you enrolled as a first semester freshman. We met shortly after classes began at a modeling registered student organization. Man, she is beautiful, I thought. I just knew that I would instantly be friend-zoned. After the meeting, you asked if I could help you organize your closet. We exchanged phone numbers to arrange a time to meet.

As life would have it, every time we met up, I never organized your closet. Instead, we ate pizza during late-night dining in Thomas Hall and laughed the night away. When I moved from Thomas Hall to Douglas Hall, we hung out more because it was closer to your residence hall. We would wrestle one minute and watch "Grey's Anatomy" the next. The resident assistant was always knocking on my door and we would turn off the lights and act like we were gone.

As the summer approached, I grew sad because I knew we would be separated for the summer. I spent the summer interning in Chicago while you spent the summer taking a math class at South Suburban College. I remember calling you during my lunch breaks just to hear your voice. I remember when you and Chris came to visit me and I was too excited. You took me to visit your mother's old house and I was able to meet more of your family members.

When we returned to school from summer break, something was different but I did not know what. It was not long before I found out that you were no longer mine. You were now in a long-distance relationship. For a while, we did not hang out as much. I remember coming to your house and seeing him. I immediately found a reason to leave because I did not want to see you with another man. This was when I knew I was in love with you. Fast-forwarding to your break-up, I remember feeling hurt for you and with you. I held you in my arms and and soothed you. I knew I never wanted to see your heart broken again.

The last few months of the semester, we grew closer. From walking to Wal-Mart holding hands to leaning your head on my shoulder during shuttle joyrides, we were practically in a relationship. Jan. 27, 2013, I knew I had to tell you that I loved you and that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. When I told you this, it was evident that you felt the same and we sealed it with a kiss. May 19, 2013, I proposed and you said yes. And on July 26, 2014, we were married!

Being married to my very best friend has been an honor and privilege. Waking up to you each morning is the best way I can start my day and closing my eyes holding you is the best way to end my day. Being able to see you between classes (or even in them) still gives me butterflies. Every time I gaze into your eyes, I see what no one else can. You are such an unmatched beauty, inside and out. My love for you is endless.

We have been married a year and six months and it has been the best time of my life. As we approach our fourth Valentine's Day celebration, I am confident that I will honor you and our love on this day. Happy Early Valentine's Day Ke'Ana Lampkins, the love of my life.

Forever Thine,

Forever Mine,

Forever Ours,

Donzell Lampkins