Travel Note
As I stand here today to vow my love for you, I think back on how we got to this place. We met during the peak of the covid pandemic and used that as an opportunity to explore the city of Atlanta without the usual overflowing mobs of people or lively festivals. This provided an opportunity for plenty of one-on-one time and yapping. Not long after, I came to the realization that in that very unsure time… I wanted this little ginger to be a constant presence in my life. However, the instruction manual was unclear, because a very resilient Yorkshire terrier was also included in the package. She’s stinky but we’re cool now. The thing I love and admire about you the most is your passion, persistence, and ability to make almost any situation work. Emily can go from last minute accompanying me to a Spanish speaking only wedding to making me and my brother go skydiving in an effort to destroy our bloodline. You also bring a lot of balance to my life. I have eaten a lot less wrong restaurant entrees since I’ve known you. Although you are the one that will send it back. Otherwise, I would down a plate of chicken livers with a smile on my face even though I ordered the rigatoni. All that to say… I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you. You sat through Rocky IV with me on our first date and I hope that we can have many more of our own sequels and maybe even a franchise expansion like creed.
Travel Note
Lui, Five years ago today, we went on our first date — and from that moment, I knew you were someone special. I quickly fell in love with your compassion for others. You are truly one of the most selfless people I know, always putting the needs and feelings of others above yourself, sometimes to a fault. I also love that you’re always completely yourself — whether you’re with me, your friends, or your family. From day one, I got to see the real you. Your quirky sense of humor, your love for soccer (specifically A.C. Milan), your talent for creating the most obscure memes, your passion for politics, your enthusiasm for music video marathons, and most prominently, your love for family. One of the things I value most about our relationship is that your family became mine. You are the perfect balance to my intensity — always calm, always reassuring, always there with a squeeze when I need it most. Back when we were dating, we mostly saw each other on weekends because of our work schedules. I’d get butterflies every time I saw you. Each weekend felt like a new adventure, and I fell for you a little more each time. When we moved in together 2 years ago, I briefly worried that I would lose the butterfly feeling. But now, I know there’s nothing I love more than the quiet moments — sitting on the couch with you and Lily, watching TV. You make everyday life feel special. You proposed to me with a Rocky quote, so I thought it was only fair that I end my vows with a Rocky quote. For those of you who have seen Rocky, this quote is from Rocky to his wife Adriane: "I got gaps, you got gaps, we fill each other's gaps." That’s what we do — we bring out the best in each other. I love you, Lui. You're all heart.