Nothing like flying the friendly skies, as well as reaching out to touch someone.  After a great begininning to their relationship that summer of 1996, Robyn and John continued their relationship even though it was one of distance...long distance.

 

After her summer fellowship in Texas, Robyn continued her studies at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM and John headed back to the other side of the Mississippi, near the Potomac at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. 

Almost 1900 miles away and a couple hours of time difference, the distance was not enough to keep John and Robyn from spending time together and keeping in touch daily.  While distance was a burden, they both were able to broaden their cultural and geographic horizons.  John was an honorary UNM Lobo and Robyn an honorary GU Hoya.  In fact, John attended summer school as a Lobo one summer to be closer to Robyn, and use her quantitative skills to get though his summer economics course!

In a time where cell phones and instant messaging were not the norm, John and Robyn would chat everyday (via landline!) and visit each other often.  Still, they both yearned for a "normal" relationship.  So, after 3 years of the long distance relationship -- Robyn in the Rockies, and some time in Atlanta; John on the East Coast and the Windy City -- Robyn and John decided to meet halfway:  Chicago.