RICHARD Crazy enough, the first time we met, we happened not to see each other, to the point that, even till now, when we try to remember that time, no one has at least a lil bit of memory of him/her seeing another. But yet we were both there, crossing each other, not once not twice, in this wedding of our common friend (Nadia) that took place in Buffalo, NY about three years ago. But who knows! We simply take that circumstance as a way of God. He knew a better and sure occasion, by which we were gonna meet in the future. Few years later, we met again in Montreal. This time, we were not going to lack the chance of getting to know each other... and find out later that we actually hold the spark that each of us has been missing for many years :). We met at a common family friend (Simon), we were both there for a visit. It was on a nice Saturday, I arrived at Simon's house, Arlette was out with her brother, the moment they came back I was chatting with Simon around a beer. Sitting in the couch facing the entrance I felt amazed by watching her getting in the house, she was in jeans and high heel shoes, looking so lovely. The stay was enough for us to get to know each other, to laugh together, to hold two dates: one in a chocolate factory, another one in a park. Oh man! It felt so real and so natural. That whole stay left in my mind how good her voice sounds when she's talking, how well she puts ideas together when she's speaking, her calmness, how great we match the vibes when we're together and how sweet she is. Later, she went back in Austin, Texas and I went back in Ville-Marie, Quebec. It was a short visit, but we knew that we didn't want to let that special and beautiful connection get lost. Therefore, from the very moment she headed to the airport till now, there is no single day that went by without communicating. Late nights on the phone have been spent. Phone memories are full due to videos, pictures, voice notes shared and video-calls. I remember when her last year's birthday was about to take place, I was excited and deep in love, as I always am with her of course :). I wanted it to to be so enjoyable for her, despite of my physical absence. Our credit goes to our common friend Uwacu, to whom I introduced the idea and she was like I got it, I'll make it happen for you lovebirds :). It was quite tough living in a distant relationship but, due to how heartedly we love each other, we never got discouraged at all. To get through it, we have flown back and forth, just to see each other and enjoy together this beautiful thing that God gave us. ARLETTE The first time I met Richard turns out It was not the first I met him :). One weekend in Montreal, I was there for a family function. At a common family friend Simon, I came across a charming handsome man. We talked a bit and discovered that we have so many friends in common and have attended the same wedding a few years ago. We might have even said hello to each other. Richard asked for my number as to keep in touch :). Later he volunteered to show me the area at a chocolate factory. The next day, we arranged another date at a park then I flew home. Ever since those days, Richard has been very consistent at communicating, matching his words with actions, our love for each other grew each day. Here we are about to embark on a journey of love and commitment to live the love out everyday. To a love which feels like home, I can't wait to spend forever with you!