I always knew of Sam as “Uncle Sam” aka Brenda’s uncle. Since middle school I had been to some Silavanh family gatherings and had seen him there in passing. It wasn’t until September of 2019 in San Jose Costa Rica that I got to spend time with him, which at the time was super random, but looking back was a definitely a God thing. He joined me and my coworkers for dinner and I remember being shocked of how southern his accent was, but also how familiar it sounded. My first impression was how he radiated joy and was so well-mannered and generous- a true southern gentleman. The second night we hung out I decided to show him San Jose nightlife. Before leaving to go out, he poured us shots of Hennessy that he brought, which I thought was hilarious but now know is obligatory for any Laos festivity. In that brief moment in my kitchen I thought to myself: this guy is fun, athletic, and has the biggest smile. I think he’s cute. My second thought was: he’s Brenda’s uncle, so I quickly shook off the first thought. We had fun that night but it was just friendly, no flirting, and no follow up. I didn’t talk to him for another year or so until I ran into him in Opelika. I invited him to hang out that night with some other friends. He came but didn’t stay long, and I remember feeling strangely sad when he left. Over the next 2 years he reached out once but texted the wrong number so I never got it. Fast forward to December 2022, I’m in Opelika for Christmas. I reach out to Brenda as I usually do when I’m in town, and she invites me to her family Christmas party. When I got there I was happily surprised to see Sam. I remember us hanging on each others words while loud Lao music and karaoke faded into the background. I felt like it was just me and him, and remember thinking there was so much more I want to say. That’s when we started talking. Our first hangouts were to Anytime Fitness, which we now refer to as “gym dates”. I subjected him to circuit workouts which I later realized he despised, but powered through for his own pride’s sake. Come New Year’s Eve, he finally took me on a motorcycle ride he had promised. When he came to pick me up, I think my parents were more confused than they were concerned. It was a fresh sunny day, we rode down a county road and I held on tight. I think we knew then that there was a spark between us we were no longer willing to deny. That night about ten minutes before midnight I showed up to his family New Year’s Eve party. We were both so happy to see each other, but tried to suppress our cheesy grins in efforts to play it cool. He was across the room when we counted to midnight and we kept stealing glances at each other. That night Jan 1 2023 was our first kiss-and the rest is history. There were moments in the weeks after that I had that feeling- while frying chicken fingers in my parents kitchen , while sitting around the campfire sharing stories, while kicking the soccer ball together - everything felt so right, so effortless, like a sigh of relief that was long over due. These past three years with Sam have been my real life fairytale, I feel like the luckiest girl everyday. Anyone who knows Sam can’t help but love him. His pure heart and bolstering laugh is contagious. He makes you feel special. He makes you want to be better- to give more of yourself and get more out of every moment. Sam has brightened my lenses and added harmony to the music of my life. God chose us for each other, and I am grateful to call him mine forever.