by Ammie Bryant
Twenty years ago, this month, Stillwater became my home after I married the love of my life on January 29th. I had spent time in Stillwater growing up, I was born in Perry and raised mostly in Ponca City. That’s where Jefferson and I met when we were kids when I was BFFs with his sister. After I graduated from High School, they moved to Colorado and I didn’t see them again for years although I kept in touch with my friend by phone and mail.
In 1997, I decided to pursue my MA of History at OSU, and it was then that I fell in love with Oklahoma State. During this time, I was once again in proximity to Jefferson. He and his sister were both attending OSU too. I took advantage of being able to spend time with my BFF again whenever I came to town for class—I was still living in Ponca City. And often when I saw her, I also saw him.
In 1999, my dear friend married the love of her life. I served as her maid of honor and Jefferson was best man for his future brother-in-law. Jeff and I spent a lot of time around each other that year and by the time fall arrived, we knew that we were in love. We got married at Bennett Chapel and had our reception in the beautiful French Lounge at the Student Union. And when we got back from our honeymoon, we made our first home in Stillwater. We didn’t know if we would always be here, maybe we would move away someday. There were a few times we almost did. But as we began having our children, I came to know Stillwater better and soon realized that I could never imagine raising our family anywhere else.
Stillwater is where I fell in love. It’s where my babies were born and where they have grown up. It’s where I fell in love with a community, all it has to offer, and its potential too. After twenty years, I have BIG love for Stillwater.
Until next month, onward!
