Their journey together began through the Boston Marathon itself, a race known for its stringent qualifying standards. Many runners opt to participate through charity sponsorship, and just a year before this race, 28-year-old Andrew and his brothers had organized a 3-mile fundraising run for Colin's Joy Project, a marathon charity. It was there that fate intervened, and Andrew met Elizabeth. When he later made a $100 donation on her fundraising page, Elizabeth reached out to thank him, and a romance blossomed.
Fast-forward a year, and Andrew had secretly planned a heartwarming proposal at the marathon finish line. "I decided to make it a full-circle moment," he said. And it was very special."
For Andrew and Elizabeth, the spirit and mission of this charity are the bedrock of their relationship. Andrew expressed his desire for their bond to embody resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. He said, "I want our entire relationship to be based on this concept. It's not because something bad happened; it's because something bad happened and then a couple of people decided to pick up the pieces and be resilient and keep it going."
As Elizabeth, exhausted but elated, crossed the finish line, she spotted Andrew waiting for her. He handed her a letter, pouring out his feelings and expressing how much she had changed his life. Then, in a moment that would change their lives forever, he dropped to one knee, presented a ring, and asked her to marry him. Overwhelmed with joy and tears, she said yes, surrounded by the cheers of fellow runners and spectators. It was a full-circle moment, a testament to love, resilience, and the unexpected beauty that can arise from even the most challenging circumstances.
Their story is a heartwarming reminder of the power of community, the strength found in shared purpose, and the unbreakable bonds forged through love and perseverance. Elizabeth and Andrew's journey serves as an inspiring beacon of hope, love, and resilience for all who hear it.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
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