We met during a mutual friend’s Pride party and connected through our shared interest in helping folks with disabilities. Hollie was working with adults with disabilities and Q was about to start a graduate program focused on helping folks with disabilities. We hit it off after a dinner that, unknown to Hollie, turned out to be a date.

Q took Hollie to Rain or Shine, a cafe near where Hollie lived when we first started dating. We had our favorite lattes and breakfast sandwiches from there and enjoyed the art while our food settled. Afterward, Q suggested hiking from the bottom of Mount Tabor to one of the reservoirs. The hike included going up 131 steps in almost a straight up vertical incline. The narrowness of the staircase means that you can’t stop. Anyone coming down has to wait for anyone coming up. We were definitely winded when we got to the top. After we caught our breath, Q began to recount to Hollie how much they love her and the life we are building together. Q got down on one knee and asked Hollie to marry them. It’s should come as no surprise that Hollie said yes!