I met Lucas Michaels a little over a year ago while enjoying some wonderful Italian food at Maribella Ristorante.  What impressed me was the amount of heart he put into his work.  He seems to dedicate himself to focusing on doing his best down to the smallest detail, all the while bringing an energetic delightfulness to his work.  This level of detail and focus might belong on the resume of an entrepreneur or business owner, but Lucas takes care of the patrons at Maribella.  He’s a waiter.  An extraordinary waiter.  

I love to eat Italian food and as such, I’ve gotten to know Lucas quite well with each subsequent visit.  Through our conversations I’ve learned how absolutely crazy he is for his fiance, Valeska. 

As the now legendary story goes, on Sunday May 29, 2022, Lucas was on the hunt for the perfect pair of white leather sneakers because in his words, “The first week you own white leather sneakers you feel invincible. There’s just something sharp about them.”, but little did he know he’d find more than a pair of shoes on his trip to the mall.  He found something that would add magic to every aspect of his life from that day forward.

If you guessed he found Valeska, you’d be correct.  She was working in the store the day Lucas came in.  Interestingly enough, the two had discovered each other on social media some years before because they enjoyed each other's content and humor.  The shoe store, however, was the first time they met in person and it was the start of an epic love story that currently finds them engaged and well into the planning stages of their wedding.   

Wait until you hear that story.  It’s wildly beautiful.

Valeska Momotic is the second person and first woman in her family to attend college.  And not only did she attend college, she earned three majors, plus a minor.  Having since left the shoe store, Valeska can now be found inspiring college students with diverse backgrounds to be successful and have a fantastic experience at the university, where she works.

Together, Lucas and Valeska feel like a destined pair, far more invincible than a pair of sneakers ever could be.  Their story is one of family and bringing out the best in each other.  After I talked with them in preparation for this episode, I was glowing with happy energy and optimism for the world.  There is such a kindness in this sweet couple, a willingness to work hard and see the best in people, and I’d be foolish not to share them with you.

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**Video broadcast available** on YouTube @imperfectbest

**Learn more about Jason Freeman** at AwkwardlyAwesome.com