Who would have imagined that two kids, just 9 and 10 years old, sharing their first kiss during a playful game of "kiss-n-tag" with neighborhood friends on Jameson Ave in Toronto, Canada, would one day find their way back to each other? Ray’s family and mine have always been close—we even share the same cousins. To clarify, Ray’s mom, Tita Nancy, has a sister, Tita Yolly, who was married to my late mother’s brother, Uncle Roger, whose recent passing left a deep void in our lives. As you can see, Ray and I were never strangers. In 1996, both of our families moved to California, where we each went on to marry our first spouses and were blessed with wonderful children, though life later brought us the challenges of divorce. Ray and I reconnected when he sought my help with real estate matters, and as we spent time together, we discovered shared values and a love for life’s simple joys. Though it was initially difficult to envision a relationship with someone who felt like family, Ray’s patience, kindness, and unwavering support won me over. Life has a remarkable way of surprising us, and our story is a beautiful testament to that.

During our trip to Italy in September 2023, Ray and I had the pleasure of exploring Rome and Florence. On the evening of September 21, we dined at Per Me - Giulio Terrinoni in Rome. Just before dessert, Ray surprised me by getting down on one knee and proposing, which caught me off guard as I had assumed my "promise" ring—left at home at his suggestion—would have been used for the proposal. Earlier that day at the Vatican, Ray had purchased a lovely cross ring, which he used instead. It was a heartfelt and perfect moment, made even more special when a neighboring guest captured the memory for us.