Michelle and her friend went to a local bicycle shop and met who would be henceforth referred to as "Cute Bikeshop Boy." 

After Michelle made several more unneeded trips to the shop for the excuse of seeing Cute Bikeshop Boy, she learned his name was Kyle and invited him out to show her how to moutain bike.

A quick romance soon bloomed and died in just a few short months, but a lasting friendship was born...

Though it may have seen an unconventional friendship, with months of frequent contact and months without any, something unexplainable continued to pull these two together.

A few kisses and hugs along the way, but never again a true romance.

He was a Peter Pan of sorts, the boy who didn't want to grow up and who definitely didn't want any type of commitment.  Life was about having fun, doing what he wanted, and not having any true responsibilities.

She was lost, trying to figure out who she was, what she stood for and her own intrinsic value and self-worth.  Looking to other people, religion, nature, sports and relationships, but never looking within to see that all she needed was already there.

That's what she said at dinner when they went out on July 3, 2007 to catch up before Michelle's trip to Chicago for the kidney transplant. 

"I didn't know what I was missing..."  While he may deny the phrase, Kyle definitely said it under his breath after hearing her declaration.

A fun night ended with some kisses and snuggles, but definitely no expectations.

So, I pretty much think it's time to start using the "R" word--Relationship.  It was a hard one to accept, but we had been dating for a year now and things were definitely growing.

Not long from there came the "B" word--boyfriend, the "G" word--girlfriend, and finally the "L" word...come on, you all know that one...LOVE!

But let's not move too fast here, we still had years to go before either of us were ready for anything else.

Summer of 2011 and the future is at our door.  Having now picked out the engagement ring, planned the move-in date (just weeks away!) and now the honeymoon!

We've decided to forgo a wedding in order to take the honeymoon of our dreams!  We'll have some parties so that you can all help us celebrate, but nothing extravagant.