Sitting across from Brandon at a Seattle-Capitol Hill restaurant where we shared our first date five years ago, the following thoughts begin rolling through my mind. Before me, I see the rest of my life; everything that was, is, and, will be. Before me is the accumulation of my greatest faults, fractures, victories, and moments of pride. Before me is everything I will do that is great in my life. Before me is a home and all that means. Before me is the person I bargained with the universe to find. Before me is not perfection, but perfection to me. Before me is the personification of love, grace, and kindness.

For so long, I didn’t know if this moment would arrive for me. I doubted and built walls. I lied, cheated, and hid the true idea of myself away from the world. When I least expected it, in the midst of grief, this person arrived at my door. In an instant, I knew. Of course, time had to support my natural instincts, but I knew in an instant.

The time stretching from that moment hasn’t always been easy. We’ve had our challenges, as anyone in a long-term relationship can attest, but our days have been filled with more joy than anything else. Through those tests, trials, and tribulations, a foundation was cemented; something that will support us for the rest of our lives.

Our next chapter will be defined by a home, a union, careers instead of jobs, and million little things not yet on the horizon. Without a doubt, we will be tested again, but I wouldn’t bet against us.

And I wouldn’t bet against you either. I know so many friends who still find themselves searching for true love. They’ve waded through the dating scene and come out on the other end disappointed. I don’t write these letters to merely brag. I hope they can provide hope. In my darkest hours, I doubted this moment. I had to make drastic changes in my life, but I got here. All that pain and anguish was worth it because it brought me here to a restaurant in Seattle on Capitol Hill in a five-year relationship. If it can happen to me, it most certainly can happen for you.

Be good to each other,

Nathan

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