You remind me of a poem I can’t remember, a song that doesn’t exist, and a place I’ve never been to.

We met in 2004 at Jamaal’s brother's wedding. Though I, Isalia was a familiar face around Jamaal's family functions, we had never met. Prior attempts were made to get us to link up, but it was at this wedding; we partied and danced the entire reception. That night foreshadowed what would be known as our official wedding reception party turn up. Cue in Jamaal's "running man". Frankly, for us weddings evoke happiness. They are merriments of love and a reminder of our own love story that began with stolen kiss on a forehead. Cheers to the dating years, the sweet spot. That euphoric time of real dates, no kiddie curfew, pilgrimages between Brooklyn and the Bronx, Starrett and the Lower East Side. During those early years, we solidified a genuine friendship and emotional connection; laying the foundation of our ever evolving love. The years 2008 and 2009 came at us fast. In May of 2008, we were engaged. A few months later were learned that they were expecting our first child. On Sunday June 14th, 2009, on the onset of summer when NYC was celebrating the Puerto Rican Day parade. We gathered our family and friends to celebrate our growing family at our baby shower. Unbeknownst to our guests, they would also bear witness to our testimony of love and commitment to each other as husband and wife. Over the last 10 years our little family has grown from 2 to 4 with the birth of our children, Isalia and Joaquin. Jamaal and I have developed as individuals and collectively. We strive to become better mates, parents, and friends daily. However, that spark of love that flickered 15 years ago has been nurtured and protected fervently. These days when we dance in our living room to a Sam Cook song, it feels free and effortless as it did the first time we held each other.