We met after I had taken a long journey with my now ex-boyfriend across the United States, we ended up landing in Oregon with no home, no money and very little hope. Walking up onto that hippie commune was our saving grace, and Brandon was the most open and kind soul to welcome us. At the time, we all worked together to live the most peaceful life possible in such a hectic environment. We were a family, and we took care of one another. Brandon never stopped doing whatever he could to help the people around him thrive as much as possible, and that was always extended to Whit and I, which made me love Brandon all the more. Eventually Whit and I moved back to Ohio and split up, it was the right decision for us. I was in a hard place and after almost two years of being back, Brandon and I reconnected over Facebook. It was instantaneous, we spent every moment we could together over video chat, rehashing old times and dreaming about the future. It wasn't long before we were dreaming about the future we could have together. We had all the same aspirations and wanted nothing more than to see each other again. After all, he was one of the only people in the world who understood what I went through in Oregon and had supported me through what was one of the most difficult times of my life. It seemed crazy to think he might actually come here to be with me, but it happened. In April of 2019 he drove across the United States, just as I had years before that, to be with me and start our life together. Since then it's become more and more apparent every day that we were meant to find each other. Despite all the odds, we came together and found the peace we had been searching for all our lives in one another. We became happier individuals and a strong team. It is a love that grows every day, it is passionate and full of hope for new beginnings. I love you, Brandon Maitrejean. You are the hope I had lost and the love I have yearned for.