It was a glorious June weekend on San Juan Island. I was staying with the Solvies, my dear second family, when I received a text from a stranger. My work friend had given him my number as she felt we had much in common. Instantly, I discoverd he was sweet, funny and we both enjoyed the outdoors. After two weeks of waiting for him to ask me out, he finally did. Since I loved oysters, he wanted to take me to a boujee oyster house. I teased him it was too fancy for a first date and questioned if he would wear a suit and bring a corsage. He actually did. He walked into my apartment wearing a green suit and carrying a corsage. Oy vey. For being so shy, he sure had a sense of audacious humor. He walked me to the car and drove us to the restaurant, when bossy me told him where to park (remember this detail). Upon entering the restaurant, our collective attire was met with quizzical looks. The server asked what the occassion was. Bob proudly proclaimed for all to hear it was our first date. I shrunk down in my seat with a very flushed face. Finally, our oysters arrived. Bob was forced to try his first oyster and he lived. He also tried my favourite drink, a Negroni. He was such a sport. He was so gentlemanly. He was so kind. We laughed and talked until it was time for the evening to end. He walked me back to his car where a punishing piece of paper flapped in the wind pinned beneath the wiper. A parking ticket. Even the sting of a fine has added to the comedy of the night in our minds. Early on, we learned experiencing new things together and laughing through the craziness of life made our love grow. We have been apart for weeks on end due to travel. We have remodeled a house. We have supported one another through personal trials. We have been in some dangerous situations while in the wilderness. We have fallen in love during the plague of our generation. I realized if all the world turned crazy, he is the person I wanted by my side.