When I first met Miranda in the Spring of 2023, I knew she was special. After several missed opportunities to connect, I found myself on a quiet June night thinking of that Miranda. In my hand, I held two tickets to a summer festival that I had no hopes of redeeming. It started in less than 8 hours and I had no date! Nobody would even pick up the phone at this hour, I thought to myself. But, before throwing the tickets in the dustbin, a spirit of hope and faith inspired me to make a phone call anyway, and that phone call changed my whole life. I appreciate Miranda for all that she is (her attributes are too many to list), but knowing that I almost threw it all in the dustbin makes me cherish her and value her so much more.

Daniel and I met in the Spring. While our circumstances kept us from getting to know each other right away, I knew we had so much in common. So when my phone buzzed late one summer night, I had to pick it up. The following day was full of magic, not only because of the glittery lemonade and fairy themed snacks, but also because of the immediate connection that Daniel and I shared. While magical festivals may not be a daily experience, the joy that we get from sharing life together is. On the good days and the bad, I could not be more thankful for that unexpected call and the way it brought us together.