Our Journey from Santa Monica to Forever

Once upon a serendipitous day in Santa Monica, our paths converged in a twist of fate that set the stage for a journey filled with love, laughter, and a lifetime of adventures.

It all began with a chance encounter. I was pounding the pavement on a run, and there he was—Justin, pedaling his way back from the gym. There was a flicker of recognition in my mind, his face seemed familiar. Was he the guy I had scheduled a date with for that Saturday? Little did I know that this fleeting moment would become the prologue to our beautiful story.

Our first date unfolded effortlessly, and the subsequent dates followed suit. Fate, it seemed, had chosen convenience as our matchmaker, with Justin living and working just a stone's throw away. As I juggled the complexities of studying for the MCAT, his proximity became a comforting constant in my life.

Two and a half months into our journey, I embarked on an international adventure that would test the waters of our budding connection. A month later, returning home, I discovered that Justin's interest had not waned—an unspoken milestone that hinted at the depth of our connection.

Meeting my family was the next auspicious moment. Justin seamlessly became a part of my world, with my dad's swift approval at the iconic Ferry Building in San Francisco serving as a heartening testament to our bond.

Santa Monica witnessed the blossoming of our romance, but as life unfolded, so did new chapters. When a job offer beckoned Justin to San Francisco, we took the plunge, leaving the sun-soaked shores for the fog-kissed streets.

Justin stood by me through the nerve-wracking medical school application process, transforming cross-country interviews into shared adventures. As I secured a spot in med school, our love navigated the challenges of a year-long long-distance relationship until Justin's relocation to Chicago.

In the Windy City, we welcomed Pearl, our husky, into our lives and weathered the storms—literal and metaphorical—of living in snow. Justin graduated from his MBA program and, shortly thereafter, fulfilled his dream of starting his own business-- a testament to his resilience and determination.

A frigid October night by the Chicago River became the setting for a life-changing moment when Justin, with warmth in his heart despite the biting cold around us, proposed. Match Day 2022 marked the start of a new transition that unfolded in Santa Rosa, where my roots ran deep.

Resilience and adaptability defined our journey as Justin, once again, relocated for love. A year in Santa Rosa paved the way for Justin to fulfill his entrepreneurial dream, and today, his thriving business stands as a testament to his dedication.

As we stand on the precipice of a life together forever, I reflect on Justin's unwavering support, quiet capability, and persistent good humor that have been my constants. After four years of engagement, I eagerly anticipate the joy of calling him my husband, as we embark on the next chapter of our love story—one that promises to be as vibrant and enduring as the love that brought us together in Santa Monica.