Like many great stories, ours began with friendship. We met through work and quickly clicked as friends. After three years of her venting work frustrations to me we realized there was something more between us. She only needed several doses of liquid encouragement to see it. Just before I started medical school, we took the leap from friends to something more. Little did we know we were about to embark on one of the most challenging journeys together. We became long distance as I moved to Grenada, but she was still my greatest source of strength. Her love and unwavering support during the 2 years I was there turned the toughest moments into manageable ones. I truly wouldn't have made it through medical school without her by my side. Now as we prepare to say "I do", I can't help but reflect on how far we've come as a couple. Katie started and finished nursing school becoming a total badass trauma nurse. We started a business together that Katie was instrumental in getting off the ground. While my hair turned gray, and I gained 20 lbs. This next chapter is one we're both incredibly excited for. I truly have been fortunate to find such a reliable, loving, kind, and extremely patient partner that became my best friend before she becomes my wife.