Our story began in high school.. Mike was a handsome senior, & I.. a shy freshman with a crush on a guy I never thought knew I existed. 8 years later, while waiting for my first heart transplant in a hospital nearly 2hrs from home, he reached out on Facebook & soon after, came to see me. Talk about getting my heart racing! Doctors advised us against a relationship due to my uncertain health, but he continued to make that drive! Our first dates may have been hospital food, but it was perfect.🖤

Our favorite memory is when he proposed.. after 6yrs. Mike had been planning it for months! Picture it.. our yearly beach trip at sunset, on a dune surrounded by family. He set it up with my mom as a 'family photo', then immediately after got down on one knee. He had faked me out before, so I looked at my mom giddy & nervous, like, “is this real?!” She smiled & nodded. After everything we had been through, as a moment we weren’t sure we’d ever get.. it was thee easiest 'yes' of my life. 🖤

Not to sound cliché, but after 13yrs together,we’d use it toward our dream wedding this September. It would help us start our marriage with a little less financial pressure after everything we’ve overcome together. Since we can’t have children, our fur babies, Bradley & Ellie make up our little family.. so maybe a trip with them?! We’ll see. We’ve done enough surviving.. now it’s time we start living. #DuttonButLove 🖤