By Brett Shearer
It’s been a mixed bag, these first weeks of 2021. With a raid on the Capitol, a new President, an ongoing pandemic, and a plethora of other events, we all need a little break. So, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, let’s focus on the wholesome relationship between seniors Ashleigh Brelage and Evan Conley.
They’ve known each other for years, having their first class together in third grade, but it wasn’t until the end of football season in 2019 that they realized just how they felt.
“Before we started dating, I put a big leaf on his truck, asking him if I could wear his jersey,” Brelage said. “It was really funny, but it ended up being that there weren’t any more games, so I had to wait a full year before I could wear his jersey.”
It was in December that same year when they had their first date. They saw Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in theaters on opening day, after having dinner at Panera Bread. Both were nervous, as one is when on a first date.
According to the couple, Ashleigh’s mom made her eat before the date, and so she could only eat half the grilled cheese sandwich she had ordered.
“We told his family about it, and his brothers made fun of me.”
Their plans for Valentine’s Day on Sunday are rather simple, as to stay safe during the pandemic, but still share a special day together despite the limited options.
“We can’t go to the movies,” they said, “and we can’t go to the park because it’s cold. So, I think the plan right now is to make dinner, and maybe pick up a Lego set – you know, something different.”
So spend Sunday with someone special – whether that be your partner, your family, or your crush if you’re lucky. Celebrate the love all around us despite these trying times, and hopefully it’ll make the winter a bit warmer, and the world a bit brighter, even for a little bit.
