Over fifteen years ago, destiny brought us together at Fort Detrick, Maryland. Christopher was serving in the United States Army, while I worked as a Clinical Research Nurse. Between military duties and research focus, we formed a special friendship. During our time Christopher made two handmade cards that I kept as mementos of our friendship. Life, as it often does, sent us in different directions. Years passed with separate journeys and distant lives, yet staying connected with the modern technology of social media. In 2022, as retirement from Christopher’s twenty-year Army career approached, I reached out to check in as I did a few times over the years. We reconnected and had our first date on October 15, 2022, where Christopher and I took a river boat ride. I even shared the 2 cards he had made me 15 years earlier. Since then, we have shared countless dates— camping, caving, paddleboarding, hiking and so much more. With each meeting, what began as reconnection grew into something deeper. By 2023, Christopher made the decision to move to Maryland, closing the physical gap that had separated us for so long. This transformed occasional dates into weekend trips and many more adventures. Then came October 19, 2024—a day that would change everything. Christopher planned a weekend in Annapolis, the historic maritime city that perfectly framed the next chapter of our story. Under crystal blue skies, we set sail on the Chesapeake Bay. At the most perfect moment, Christopher got on his knee and asked me to marry him. Of course, I said yes! Now we are so excited to share the start of our life together with all of you!