It's not just chocolates, roses and romantic dinners that make Valentines a special holiday. It's the stories of lasting love that perseveres, even in the toughest of times.
In Part One of our series, "Be My Valentine," Newscenter 25's Jennifer Gayle shares the story of Chad and Chelsea. A true story of love.

As Valentines quickly approaches, lovers of all kinds plan to surprise their sweet hearts with flowers, balloons and other gifts from the heart. It's a day to show your loved ones how much you trully care and appreciate them. But showing love doesn't just land on one day. For some it last a life time, for others, it's young and new. but with love comes those tough trials, tribulations and sometimes trajedy which can trully prove just how strong the heart can be.

For Chad and Chelsea, it was love at first sight. Many have heard their story. It was his plea for prayers after an accident, which nearly took Chelsea's life and shattered his arm. As Chelsea laid in a hospital bed with severe head trama, Chad quickly realized the danger she was in and how close he was to loosing his love.
And as we prepare for Valentines day, we take a look back at Chad and Chelsea, their love story and how are they making through the tough times.
It took a national trajedy to make Chad realize he was ready to share his love and life with someone. After the 9/11 terror attacks Chad quickly learned the importance of having a loved one by your side. Chad say he asked God that if there were someone meant for him, that he was ready to open his heart. Ten days later Chad met Chelsea. They both agree it was love at first sight and on July 4th 2006, Chad surprised Chelsea with a billboard proposal at Chicago Whitesox game. "I was like oh my God and then some lady asked me, well did you say yes? I mean yes. I ws so shocked that he proposed to me."

The two decided on a date and were planning on getting married this March. and even though the couple say they never had to face any major challenges together, November 28th, 2010, would put this couple through one of the toughest challenges of all. traveling home from West Texas, after Thanksgiving dinner with family, they struck a cow standing in the middle of a farm road. Recovery and rehabilitation have consumed the couples life for the last several months. Both leaning on each other to make it through each day.

There white wedding has been post poned because of the accident, but Chad and Chelsea do plan on having a small ceremony soon and will plan the wedding at a later date. And while marriage vows will soon be shared, this couple has already proven they can make it through one of them. in sickness and in health.