Our Story

Through Christa's eyes...

I first met Andrew during an interview for a leadership position at SFS (one of the camp programs Andrew runs each summer at McMaster). There were two interviewers that day – Andrew and Steve Green. At that time, I felt like great friends with Steve but had (obviously) not met Andrew yet. When the interview was over, I, in my fourth year excitement, grabbed Steve and pulled him in for a big hug! To leave the board room, I had to pass Andrew. Deciding it felt awkward that I had not hugged Andrew, I motioned for a hug and he stiffly obliged. I did not get the job.

A few years later at that same camp, I was given the role of Busing Coordinator, meaning Andrew and I would be working together in tandem. After a few disgruntled dinner conversations with my family about “not liking my boss,” a respect and friendship formed between us. That fall and into that winter, Andrew and I developed a strong friendship through intramural sports (baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer) where I learned a fundamental and respected value of Andrew's – fitness should be accessible and available to all members of our community. We shared in weekly glee club with beloved friends, TED talks, nights out dancing, food dates, tea dates and game making.

One night at the end of April, Andrew texted me and said that he wanted me to come over. It felt typical but I could tell something was different. When I arrived at his apartment, he had made our favourite tea and had brought out the coveted bone china mugs Karen and Rick had brought him from China. By the end of the night, I was on the couch dreading the walk home and full day of work the next day. I did not realize Andrew was near me, as my eyes were closed. When I felt him kiss me, I was so shocked I barely believed it. So, naturally, I had to ask him to do it again.

On June 8th, Andrew and I decided to go out for lunch to one of our favourite GF, vegan restaurants. While eating, Andrew asked if I would be interested in playing Farkle Ball (a game we made up at our local park). He slyly said that if I won, maybe there would be a proposal! He answered similarly when I inquired about what would happen if he won! Andrew loves creating mystery! We enjoyed the sun at HAAA park, while playing Farkle. When our game was over (I had won by two points), he asked if I wanted to go grocery shopping. Getting ready to leave, Andrew kicked the Farkle ball between my legs, and when I had picked it up, I turned around and he was on his knee. I will never forget the size of our smiles at that moment :)

Through Andrew's eyes...

Christa and I met in December 2007. I didn't remember this fact until 2010 when it donned on me that yes, that was when we first met and, yes, it was during an interview and, yes, she did hug me, her interviewer, at the end of the interview. She didn't get the job; I didn't really remember her. But I did remember the hug. That was hysterical. And also awesome.

Fast-forward to summer 2010. Christa had the job at this point and handled a difficult situation at work with tremendous maturity, empathy and integrity. I respected her. At the end of that summer, I decided the two girls from camp were fun and smart and interesting, and I should befriend them as they moved into my neighbourhood. Dee, Christa and I arranged to hangout one night that September. It was fun. Apparently they couldn't believe it was happening - not because I was 'so cool' but because I was their boss and that was just weird.

Over that fall, a new friend group formed. We played sports, Christa got a cold, I brought her soup. An altogether typical course of friendship. Then New Year's Eve celebrations rolled around. I had all my friends and family and a party around me, and I spent a lot of my time texting Christa, who was in Winnipeg at the time. I thought “Well... That's interesting.”

By winter and spring 2011, the connection between Christa and me (and our pretending it didn't exist) was starting to drive our friends nuts. We were doing our best to play oblivious, though I did drop some key lines to keep the mystery alive: “My friend thinks I like you. I think she's right,” and “I'm going to marry you” being the chart toppers (keep in mind neither of us had even admitted to liking each other at this point). Mystery mystified... I'd also spend every day and night with Christa as friends. That was happening too. And I would walk her home at night then skip back to my house singing along to Train's “Hey Soul Sister.” Hey-ey... Those were some great walks home.

This went on for months. Drove our friends eye-rolling nuts, or so they tell us.

Then one night she closed her eyes sitting on my couch. I don't know why. So I kissed her. She opened her eyes and said “What was that?” and before I could answer “Do it again.”

As for the proposal, I was pretty excited. I don't remember Christa actually saying 'Yes,' but she assures me she did ;)