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In August 2018, first grade teacher Sophia Armstrong sent me an email with the post script, “I think you and Ramie Carlson (the kindergarten teacher) would get along very well. ;)” My mother was a teacher and I was always berated to do what my teachers told me, so it’s surprising on several levels that I listened to Ms. Armstrong’s advice. But, knowing that Ramie also had a dog with the same name as my dog, I assumed she had impeccable taste and one date couldn’t hurt. Being shy by nature, it took me a while to work up the nerve to go to the school and ask Ramie out. I walked toward the elementary wing and saw her talking with Armstrong and Kim Sundberg. I lost my resolve to engage her in the midst of those formidable women, reversed course and briskly strode out of the school. A few days later, I mustered my courage. I stood up tall with my back straight and shoulders back, and asked her out via Facebook Messenger: “Hi, Ramie. Ms. Armstrong wrote to me that you and I would ‘get along very well.’ Well, I was raised to always listen to teachers so I figured I’d see if you ever wanted to go for a hike with the Brodies,” I wrote. We had a fun (although slightly confusing for our dogs) hike up the 7-Mile Saddle trail. I even admitted to her that I didn’t normally listen to teachers, but was glad I did this time. Later I met Piper, which resulted in a rousing game of hide and go seek in Moose Meadows and more misadventures with the dogs. It’s hard to hide when you’re trying to shoo one dog away that has the same name as one that’s nearby. After a few more outdoor outings and a dinner date, which resulted in a four-year-old nearly choking on sushi, I started listening to teachers. Brody became Big Brody. Brodie became Little Brodie. Piper gained a new companion to dress up like a princess. (Sorry Big Brody.) A family was born.

It all began on the first day of school. Kyle’s back-to-school photo for the local newspaper happened to feature my friend Sophia’s first-grade students. So, when he emailed her to get a list of student names, she decided it would be the perfect opportunity to set us up. She later forwarded me the email - “You know the kindergarten teacher, Ramie? Well, I think you two would get along great! And hey! You both have dogs named Brodie! How cool is that!” His response, “Well, my mother always taught me to listen to teachers, so I better give her a call.” (I would later find out that he most certainly does NOT always listen to teachers…) A week or so passed and I began to wonder if the phone call would ever come. Then one Friday afternoon, I saw him walking towards the elementary doors. Naturally, I acted as any mature adult woman with a middle-school girl crush would do - I panicked and hid. As it turned out, he spotted me in my hiding place, surrounded by my crew of fabulously intimidating teacher friends, and also panicked and fled. We had so much in common already! Eventually Kyle did ask me out in the most chivalrous of ways - on Facebook. Our first date was a hike with both of the Brodies. Despite a couple of confusing moments for our dogs, the four of us (pups included) hit it off right away. One date led to two and two to three. Piper and Kyle were introduced and Piper quickly learned that “Ky Ky” gives the very best “shoulders,” two Brodies make for better dress up situations than one, and sushi is a food to be eaten carefully, so as not to end up with seaweed stuck down your throat. Four years later, I cannot think of anyone I would rather spend my days with. I am forever grateful for the email that started it all. I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together, or as Kyle says, the next 40 years plus or minus 10.