Sometimes the best things happen when you least expect them—like meeting your future spouse during a global pandemic while surviving on injera, shiro, video calls, and memes. We were introduced by a mutual friend in 2020, right in the middle of the COVID chaos. At first, it didn’t seem like much—just two people exchanging a few polite messages. Fast forward a bit, and suddenly we were on the phone every day, bonding over our shared Habesha upbringing, love of memes, sarcasm, and the occasional deep conversation (but mostly memes). We finally met in person in mid-2021. I (Selam) was drowning in nursing school—exams, clinicals, care plans, and unhealthy amount of caffeine. Somehow, Mussie became my calm in the storm. Texting daily encouragement, ridiculous jokes, and enough memes to qualify as a part-time stand-up comedian. One of his coworkers once described him as “a warm cup of chamomile tea on a stressful day”—and honestly, it’s spot on (with a dash of Red Bull). After graduation, we planned our first official date. Mussie suggested skydiving (yes, for a first date). I suggested sushi—because, and I quote, “I need to make sure you’re not a psycho before I jump out of a plane with you.” Spoiler: we chose sushi. Bigger spoiler: four years later, still no skydiving. We came close with a doors-off helicopter ride in Hawaii, and Mussie even flew a tiny plane in Arizona—emphasis on tiny, and Mussie flying it. We survived, somehow… though not without him pulling a nose dive prank that felt like ten minutes (it was more like two seconds, but still). That sushi lunch turned into four hours of nonstop conversation, laughter, and maybe a little light interrogation. Eventually, the restaurant politely asked us to leave (we swear we tipped well). Not ready to end the date, we walked around Lake Merritt, bathed in golden sunlight and that perfect first-date magic. That’s when we both realized: this might actually be something real. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of adventures, personal growth, and—yes—countless memes. With God’s guidance, a whole lot of laughter, and a healthy dose of patience (especially during wedding planning), we’ve built a love that truly feels like home. And now? We can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you! (Still not skydiving, though.)