Eyad and I met through a dating app called, "Coffee Meets Bagel" (I know, we don't get the reference either), where he wisely caught my attention by starting a conversation in French. A few days later, Eyad took me on a whirlwind date in the St. Louis Loop that started in a cozy Italian restaurant. Within 30 minutes we were openly discussing the politics of the [then] presidential election, dream travel destinations, and the philosophy of our existence. When Eyad expressed the desire to discuss and consider the viewpoints of the people who did not share the same political opinions as we did, I was hooked!

I had just completed a workout on the evening of December 29, 2017 and was dressed in my bright red harry potter sweatshirt as I began ascending the stairs to our 5th story Manhattan walk-up apartment (a climb we affectionately refer to as "Mount Doom"). Taking a moment to let my breathing slow at the top of the stairs, I opened the door to find my home illuminated by the glow of candlelight. The apartment was carpeted in rose petals and the soft crimson light of the candles transformed our tiny apartment from a busy city respite to a quiet sanctuary. As I walked in, Eyad was dressed in his best suit and drew me to him near the window leading to the fire escape, where a bottle of champagne was resting in a soft pillow of snow. Eyad said, "I love you," and I replied with my usual, "I love you always," though I was still slightly confused at the time. With a grin, Eyad said, "Do you mean that?" and got down on one knee, revealing a small red box at the tips of his fingers. He later told me that he chose this day because every moment was precious, and that any day, even the most ordinary ones, could be made special so long as we were together.