Oliver James

My boyfriend, Oliver has been by side for over eighteen months. We have experienced a few rough patches in our relationship, but have also made many memories together. Oliver was the type of guy who never thought about serious relationships, and everyone always said that he would never settle down. When we first began dating, I never thought he would mean so much to me, or that our relationship would last this long. Today, both of us are extremely happy with our relationship and we are always looking forward to what the future has in store for us.

Our first date was at the Dow, for a Monster Truck show. Each year I have always gone to this event with my dad. He said I could go with Oliver, but I had to let him know how our night went. When we first got there, Oliver and his friend Dakota had to back both of their trucks up on a snow bank to show off. The monster trucks were amazing, and it was a perfect first date. After it ended, we went back to his truck and raced Dakota and his girlfriend, Libby back to Dakota’s house. Racing through down town Saginaw was definitely one of the highlights of the night. After we left Dakota’s house, Oliver dropped me off. He said he wanted a hug so he got out of his truck and met me in front of it. Little did I know when he said he wanted a hug, he also meant a kiss. I was taken by surprise, and my stomach filled with butterflies.

Oliver and I are often told we do more things together than what some people do throughout their lifetime. We have gone to Mackinaw Island, camping, pier jumping, and snowmobiling, just to name a few.

When we went to Mackinaw Island it was Oliver’s first time there. While we were there he went to the penny machine, chose the image of the Grand Hotel, and told me to hang on to it because someday he will take me there.

Oliver and I have gone camping too many times to count. At the campground, last year for Halloween, I said we should dress up as an old couple and go trick-or-treating. Oliver completely hated this idea, but he agreed to do it because I wanted to, and he actually said he had fun!

I am absolutely terrified of lakes, ponds, fish, and seaweed, so pier jumping was something I never thought I would do. It took about an hour for Oliver to get me to jump into the water. When I did, I made him hold my hand and not let go, not only for the first jump, but every one after that.

Snowmobiling this past winter is something I will never forget. We rode the sleds up to the Mackinaw Bridge. This was Oliver’s first time being out on Lake Huron while it was frozen. On our way back from our trip, we had to drive up on a snow bank. I was driving, and I gunned the throttle, but then let off. Doing so, threw Oliver and me from the snowmobile, but thankfully we landed in powdery white snow. After that, Oliver said I could no longer drive.

Oliver left for the Marines last October. He said it was up to me if I wanted to continue our relationship or not. Oliver had signed a contract to be enlisted for five years, but this did not scare me, so of course I said I would stay with him. Once Oliver graduated, after three months of training, he flew home to see me. Being able to hold him again, and feel him squeeze me was the best feeling. After eighteen days he flew back to California. Two weeks later he called me, saying he had both good and bad news. The good news was that he was coming home, and the bad news was that he was being discharged because of a back injury. I am so glad that I do not have to worry about him being overseas now, but I still feel bad because serving our country was his dream. I feel that if Oliver and I could go three months without seeing or talking to each other, then we can do anything.

These memories I share with Oliver mean the world to me. He has been my boyfriend, best friend, and sidekick for eighteen months. Everything my family does, he tags along. Oliver is part of my family. I am extremely thankful Oliver has settled down, and that our relationship is so strong. I cannot wait to create more unforgettable memories with him.