We met the old-fashioned way… on a dating app. After a few chats, I had a feeling Sanae might be something special. But he knew she was “the one” when she showed up—on her own—to watch me play a music gig at Old Princeton Landing. Now, for most people, that might not sound like a big deal. But for a quietly assertive, thoughtful girl from Yokohama, stepping into the unknown territory of a lively, slightly chaotic, Star Wars–style bar scene at OPL on a Saturday night… alone… was nothing short of heroic. That moment said everything: courage, curiosity, and a willingness to step into the unknown. And from that night on, our story truly began.

A family trip with Sanae and her boys, Kaisei (13) and Youzen (11), began with a simple plan: rent a car in Panama City, drive to the sleepy surf town of Santa Catalina, spend a week by the ocean, then head back home. But adventure had other plans. Protests had broken out across the country, with roadblocks along the Pan-American Highway and beyond. On the way to Santa Catalina, we encountered at least five of them—some opening after hours, others not at all. Our first night, we slept in the car, stuck in gridlock traffic just outside Santiago. The boys were absolute troopers, barely complaining. The second night, we made it to the Mykonos Hotel after being turned back yet again—sleeping in real beds felt like pure luxury. By day three, we finally arrived. What should have been a 6.5-hour drive turned into a journey we’ll never forget. And once we were there, it was magic. We fished, snorkeled in Coiba National Park, and surfed the gentle waves at El Estero. Thomas chased bigger waves at La Punta, while Sanae joined in with a little boogie boarding. It was sun, salt air, laughter—and the kind of time together that stays with you. At week’s end, we had to make our way back—with flights to catch and protests still ongoing. That’s when we met Andreas. A local taxi driver who recognized us (the surfboard strapped to the roof gave us away), he became our unexpected guide. Through broken English and high school Spanish, he led us through backroads, helped us navigate roadblocks, and even negotiated with protesters—at one point buying food to help open the way forward. As night fell, the rain came. Hard. We followed Andreas down dark, unpaved roads—potholes everywhere, rain pouring in, visibility near zero. Sanae screamed as we hit each bump, and we held on, following his taillights through the storm. It was wild, chaotic… and unforgettable. Eventually, we made it back to the main road, and Andreas guided us safely to our hotel in Panama City. We said goodbye that night, grateful beyond words. The next morning, the skies cleared—and we made our flight home. Not the trip we planned… But the one that showed us who we are together: resilient, adventurous, and stronger side by side.

A life well lived comes with both highs and lows. Thomas has faced his share of life’s challenges over the years, and Sanae has as well. We walked through difficult moments that shaped who we are today. In one another, we discovered comfort, strength, and a quiet assurance that our future together could be something truly good. We became a steady place to land—weathering life’s storms side by side. And somewhere in between, with Sanae’s home-cooked meals - Chicken Karaage, Gyoza, Sushi etc., and the warmth of everyday moments, we have built something unique and strong. A life that feels full, grounded… and truly our own.

A perfect evening in San Francisco—Sanae’s birthday—beginning with a surprise that morning: a tandem bike, a promise of many rides (and a little teamwork) ahead. The day unfolded into dinner, music, and the simple joy of being together at SFJAZZ Center. On the way back to our room, we lingered for a drink at Top of the Mark. High above the city, with lights shimmering below and the night wrapped quietly around us, the moment felt just right. So I asked Sanae to marry me. And she said yes. And I felt complete.

We’re looking forward to the moments ahead -- cheering with Kaisei at Penn State Nittany Lions football game days, watching Youzen as a varisty football player at Junípero Serra High School, and playing music and sharing waves with Nate when he’s home. An African safari honeymoon sometime next year - wide-open skies, incredible wildlife, and a little adventure together. And our new beach home in Panama - spending good time together with friends and family. Making memories together, every step of the way. The best part of our story is still ahead - and we can’t wait to live it together. ✨