Abigael met Patrick in the most ordinary of ways—through a dating app. She had a pug, he had a husky. In a world full of noise and distractions, it was a simple connection over animals, which, in hindsight, is often where the most authentic beginnings start. Abigael arrived with her pug, and the dogs took to each other instantly—two creatures, unaware of the future, simply enjoying the present. The way they played together, with no care in the world, reminded that sometimes, the best things in life aren’t planned. They just happen, in their own time, at their own pace. Patrick and Abigael didn’t rush into deep conversation or try to impress one another. Instead, they spent hours watching silly YouTube videos, exchanging songs, and telling stories. Later that week, Patrick had to leave for a martial arts trip to Milwaukee. He trusted Abi enough to ask her to watch his husky while he was away. It wasn’t an enormous request, but it was one that held a quiet weight. She agreed without hesitation, and in doing so, something subtle yet significant shifted between them. She stayed the night at his house after she picked him up. But here’s the thing: Patrick didn’t ever ask if she wanted to leave, and she didn’t ask if he wanted her to stay. Neither of them questioned it. It just felt right, like an unspoken understanding. They have been together ever since, including adding another animal to the family, a small Siamese cat named Himawari (which means Sunflower in Japanese). They have bonded over the symbolism of a Sunflower, their first “official” date was picking sunflowers. They both share a passion for coaching and bringing the next generation of kids to be better and have control and discipline. Abigael with Lacrosse, and Patrick with Martial Arts. Both try to better themselves and others around them through different avenues but attempt to achieve the same goal, as they do when planning the rest of their lives together. They dream of continuing a future and household filled with love, laughter, and shared passions to accomplish their shared and individual goals.

"I know that you hate the way I tell the story about how we first started dating. You came over on Monday, and we hung out on the couch, just talked, kissed once at the end, and laughed the whole time. The dogs got along, and it was great. Then you left and came back on Thursday night, so you could take me to the airport the next day and watch Klaus while I was in Milwaukee. I missed you, which I thought was a little crazy. When I got back, you just never left. I know that you don’t like the “never left” part, but I think it’s important to remember that it’s what makes it so beautiful. You never asked me if I wanted you to leave, and I never asked you if you really wanted to stay. So, maybe we could just keep staying."