We owe our introduction to Cami's sister and brother in law, who were both close friends of Josiah from his military days. Even with distance and busy lives, they stayed connected through video games and life updates shared online. It was through these virtual hangouts that Josiah and Cami first became acquainted however, at that point we hadn’t yet met face-to-face. In the summer of 2023 things were changing. Josiah separated from the Airforce and returned to Oregon, while Cami had traveled from Florida to Washington to visit her sister for the summer. A reunion with old friends was planned, and we all decided to meet up in Portland for a weekend of fun. Little did we know, this casual meetup would spark the beginning of something beautiful. The moment we met in person, it felt like pieces falling into place. Our conversations flowed effortlessly, and from that very first day, we both knew this connection was more than just friendship.

Even though there was still a 150-mile distance between Portland and Seattle, we stayed connected, talking and texting late into the night. Every free weekend became a chance to see each other, and we eagerly seized each one. As friends, we went camping, hiking, visited gardens, and spent hours playing games at arcades. It felt like each adventure brought us closer, and before we knew it, our feelings had deepened into something undeniable. When our relationship became official, we dove into a new chapter, filled with late-night bike rides, dinner dates, concerts, and many other side quests throughout the summer. Every moment we spent together felt special, and the more time we had, the clearer it became—we were falling in love. The distance between us grew again when Cami returned to Florida to finish her degree, but instead of making things harder, it only strengthened our resolve. Each flight, every visit, and every stolen moment became something to cherish. With every goodbye, we knew more and more that we were meant to be together forever.