Carey and I met on September 21st, 2019, on our way to see a play. I was the driver. Carey was the last one to get in the car. After one look, I thought she was stunning, but when we started to talk, I immediately saw how special and unique she was. A few highlights from that night were listening to her describe practicing swordplay for her upcoming performance in Hamlet at Rowan University Theatre, or listening to her recite a poem she had written from memory, but the moment we first bonded was when we started talking about shared experiences. I had been working as a personal classroom aide at the time, and Carey had some years of teaching behind her. We talked about how it felt to be of service to others, and that we shared a belief in living lives of mission. I felt safe with Carey. Our first hug made me feel right at home. After chatting a bit in Facebook Messenger, we met again at a vegan restaurant in Haddonfield, which we still enjoy to this day. The third time I met Carey, I got to see her perform for the first time. She had a bit part, but she played a King, and nailed it. (Side note: when I hugged her and said “You did great,” she replied “I love you, too,” but I didn’t hear her. Her castmate later told her “I’m sorry for your loss” in jest. I think back on this as our Seinfeld moment.) We met again at “Friendsgiving,” with the same group of friends that introduced us, for a game night on Thanksgiving, and only a week later, we had our first date. Only, I didn’t know it was a date until I walked her to her car, and what started as a hug turned into our first kiss. I’ll never forget what a clear, serene revelation that was. The next morning, she sent me “Everything Has Changed,” which would become the first on a list of love songs we routinely share. Only a week after that, we were official.

Carey and I connected creatively, culturally, and spiritually. Inspired by Carey’s wisdom and commitment, I was able to revisit and sharpen my faith in a loving God, and we have been growing together spiritually ever since. All of this unfolded just before a global pandemic changed all of our lives, but Carey and I kept firm in our commitment to each other. While 2020 was difficult on a number of levels, both of us kept each other’s heads above water. Through every trial, we continued to grow and to trust each other more.

I knew I wanted to marry Carey as early as March 18th, after we hung up the phone. I am a published fiction author, currently setting up a franchise of stories, often feeling overwhelmed by the tasks ahead. I had just been describing an idea I’d gotten on the way home from work, and was ready to end the conversation there, but Carey wanted to hear more. I then shared all of my thoughts, to her delight, undivided attention, and enjoyment. That night, I called my mother – vacationing in Florida – and we had a very important private discussion. I was blunt. I had found my wife. We took some time to let our relationship grow, as well as to continue to grow in areas of our personal lives, over the next several months, but by the anniversary of our first kiss, I was ready. With help from both our families, I escorted Carey out to a private date abroad, while the folks at home set up an engagement party. When we arrived home, I got down on one knee, and moments later, we were celebrating our engagement. Carey and I have changed since the day we met, and are passionately setting up our life together. But some things haven’t changed. We still love to laugh the way we used to. We still carry on all night with random thought processes. We still love well done movies, and even some risky, questionable ones (at least, when we don’t get to the theater halfway through the film. True story). We still find enjoyment in the simplest things, especially when we can enjoy them together. And when trouble strikes, we still hold onto each other, never letting go.