While we all hear about love at first sight in novels and movies, I always wondered if it was true or just a thing of fairytales. In spring of 2019, after a long week of moving back to Pennsylvania, I was excited to start my new job. I introduced myself to each team member with every "Hi, nice to meet you" no more interesting than the last, until I walked up to Charley's desk. I'm convinced his office chair swiveled in slow motion, and I knew something was different about that small moment. Now, of course, I know this is referred to as the "Charley Charm" which I'm sure many of you have experienced yourself. After that moment I had the tiniest of crushes, that I didn't find out was reciprocated until our first date February 5th, 2020. The rest is history. I like to think back to that first day when time seemed to slow and believe it was fate, the universe, something greater telling me this is my person. My person I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with and to continue writing our own fairytale.

37.27982387498696, -112.9442167671981 are the coordinates of a “secret” hike in Zion National Park. This is where I would ask Kristy to go on this crazy journey called Life together. Later in the day, after a few long hikes we arrive at one of the shuttle stops in the park called Temple of Sinawava. While Kristy was distracted by the views I readied the ring and carefully placed it in my pocket. We had about half a mile to walk before we got to the waterfall, the main attraction of the trail and place best suited for a question like this. That was the most nerve-racking walk of my adult life. Not only did I have this precious ring in my not-so-secure pocket but I was about to ask the love of my life to marry me. We reach the trailhead and continue to the top of the man made balcony-like structure that sits next to a quaint waterfall. I lose my words as if it’s my first time talking to her but eventually I blabber something to the effect of “You know Kristy... we’ve been dating for a while now and I really love you...” At this moment she knew what was happening and stared at me with a face of happiness, surprise, and a sprinkle of shock. With one knee down and tears of happiness running down both our faces, she says “yes”.