On Tuesday, July 21, I celebrated John’s installation and pinning ceremony as Financial Secretary for his Knights of Columbus council. 

I couldn’t be prouder of him for taking on this new role and responsibility, giving back to the faith community who has built a firm foundation in him over the past formative years. 

From the moment that he invited me to accompany him as his date to the significant event, I could tell it meant a lot to him and he put a lot of thought into it. When he went to the Philippines this past winter, he specifically picked a shawl for me that not only matched his lightweight, pretty sheer, off white Filipino dress shirt, it was my favorite shade of my favorite color — green!

John was so excited to gift it to me at my birthday dinner, but I was pretty nervous at the thought of being his date to something so official. He asked that I wear a black, somewhat formal dress, which I had fun picking out, but when he said we were expected to kiss in front of everyone, I got even more nervous! I love kissing him — but I blanched at the thought of being the center of everyone’s attention in such an intimate way 

He was my rock from the first moment we walked into the event, though. As we walked in when his name was called, flanked by the swords of the color guard, he told me afterward he could feel me shaking. But I felt so proud as I took his ribbon and hung it around his neck, careful to make sure it was straight before we kissed (his mom snapping a undeniably cute, semi-embarrassing photo 🤣). 

Once all the new officials had received their pin, they all processed in in formation, forming a living cross as a special prayer was said. It made me grateful that I am with a man who is the living embodiment of Christ’s firm foundation of the Church, the Church which he founded for all humanity when he gave himself upon that very first cross, which all the men in formation represented. 

The cutest part of the night was when John made sure the hem of my long dress was all the way in the car before shutting the door. That earned him a second kiss. 

I just love having my first love. Thanks for indulging me as I share. Who is your first love? Share in the comments below!