| Branton David Smith was born September 25, 1978. He was born and raised in the Frankfort area, along with many cousins, aunts and uncles and an older brother. Sara Margaret Urbauer was born January 21, 1979. I was born in Lincoln, NE but my family moved to Frankfort when I was only two, so needless to say, I was raised in Frankfort. Born to a large family, three older sisters and eventually a younger brother, we had each other with extended family being far away in Nebraska. Branton's mother and aunt were the preschool teachers, where Branton and I first met. I immediately became bestfriends with his cousin, Amber. His mother later became my daycare provider. Branton and I played house with each other, never knowing that one day we would be getting married. Through out grade school and high school, Branton was one of the guys and I was one of the girls. Being bestfriends with his cousin, I was invited to many family events of Branton's. Therefore I have known Branton's extended family for years. High school was difficult. Branton and I both dated other people but never each other. Although many say he was in love with me but I didn't know, therefore never pursued it. We became pretty good friends, both of us in a serious relationship with others. I dated my ex-boyfriend for about three years and he dated his ex-girlfriend for more than a year. After our break-ups, we became very close. It was the end of my sophomore year in college and I was romanticly struggling. He was always there for me, no matter what the situation. Throughout that summer, we began a romantic relationship, keeping it a secret from everyone we knew. We didn't want anyone getting in our way. On July 4, 1999, Branton said those three magical words, "I love you." I immediately vowed the same love and it has never been the same since. At the end of summer, I left for my junior year of college and he stayed behind to work. We spoke on the phone almost every night. By the end of the school year, we just couldn't bear to be apart. He made the decision to move to Manhattan. We got an apartment together and I finished my senior year of college. One week after graduation, Branton popped the question. It was very romantic and very unexpected. After a candlelit dinner, he presented me with a graduation card. As I was reading the card, he preceeded to get on one knee and asked me if I would marry him. I cried and cried and he shed a few tears. The wedding plans are underway. I just can't wait until we are husband and wife. Finally we'll have the rest of our lives to be with each other. |
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