We met when we were both going through a period of grief, and while we kept each others at arms length for a while, we became close friends, and then, over sushi and impromptu birthday plans, committed to a relationship that has been the most genuine, fulfilling and meaningful connection we’d ever had. We met through Erik’s Small Town Loud music fest, and bonded over tattoos as Alyssa is a tattoo artist and Erik heavily adorned. Erik quickly bonded with our son Tobias (now 4), who decided to pick Erik as his dad. We are already married in our heads and so looking forward to enjoying life together.