2019 has been the best year of my life.
In January, I was accepted into Grove City College!
In March, I went to Disney World with the love of my life! My favorite memory from that trip was that Brady and I rode Test Track with only a 23-minute wait in line.
Later in March, I performed in my last High School chorus festival. Singing with 200+ talented singers from the region was a blast and a blessing.
Even later in March, I performed in my last High School musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” as the narrator. That role was a ton of fun, and the show was certainly a highlight of my senior year.
On April 18th, Brady proposed to me next to the Big White Cross at Jumonville Christian Camp and Retreat Center. I was shocked, but not surprised. It was one of the happiest days of my life.
For the rest of April and May, Brady and I went to our last High School proms and we started to plan for our wedding.
In June, I graduated from Yough High School at the top of my class, and I had my graduation party. I also FINALLY got my driver’s license later that month. Even later in June, I had my bachelorette party and bridal shower. Both celebrations were filled with love and generosity from everyone who was there.
In July, I spoke at the National United Methodist Youth Conference (YOUTH 2019) held in Kansas City. Speaking at this conference was a dream come true, and I am still so grateful that God gave me that opportunity.
About a week later, I married my soulmate. July 20th was a day filled with love. I wish I could live that day on repeat, forever. After our wedding, Brady and I spent a week in Hawaii for our honeymoon. Our favorite adventure there was definitely the helicopter tour!
In the beginning of August, Brady and I visited my family on the Jersey Shore! We all did an escape room on the boardwalk; it was so much fun! Then, Brady and I moved into our apartment in Grove City! He pretty much built all the IKEA furniture and I got him water when he needed it.
At the end of August, Brady and I started college at Grove City! We weren’t able to spend much time at school since Brady was getting sicker. But, the time we spent there was certainly fulfilling.
By the end of September, Brady and I were back home from school and we went on tons of adventures! We visited Brady’s family in Wyoming, we went camping, and we went to Niagara Falls!
Brady was pretty sick by the time November rolled around, so we just enjoyed each other’s company as long as we could.
Brady died on November 25th. Since then, I’ve had a lot of really hard days. But, I won’t let those awful days take away from a truly awesome year that I’ve had.
2019 has been the best year of my life. I doubt that I’ll have a year like 2019 again, but gosh, I am thankful.
Photo: Wild Native Photography
Mollie, I love to read your post! Please dont ever stop! Its one of the most beautiful things that I read , it makes me so happy to know there is that kind of love out there. I married my high school sweetheart after 19 years of being apart. He was the first boy I kissed and the last boy I kiss every night before I go to bed.
Thank you for all the memories you share.
So thankful that you’ve found the courage to share.
I loved reading this post Mollie. I could vision and fill you smiling as you wrote this. This was a great year for you and the accomplishments you made ih your senior year. I hope that you will continue your education that you started at Grove City Brady would want you to do that. He will be you every step of the way. My you hold on to the year 2019 forever.
Hi Mollie,
My name is Kaylee Shafer and I’m currently a freshman at Grove City College. I never had the honor of meeting you or Brady, but I’ve heard your story and have been following your blog for a while now. Your strength inspires me. The Lord has called me to reach out to you, and if you’re willing, I would love to talk with you, as sisters in Christ. If you’d be interested, you can email me at kshafer5678@gmail.com and we can arrange something. If not, I completely understand. I wish you the absolute best, and I pray that you have a happy new year.