Sophomore year of high school was coming to an end and summer of 2014 was right around the corner. One sunny day at lunch break, I caught a glimpse of a beautiful girl hanging out with my good friend Johanna. I started texting Amber that same night. We connected on the fact that we were both old souls and had grown from struggles most teenagers never faced. That is where our journey as a couple began, in the endeavor for a greater connection than either one of us knew we could find.

While we courted in high school and enjoyed being young: we knew I was destined to go back to Belgium and we would have to be apart. But unlike most at this age, we decided that our bond and connection was worth the sacrifices both of us had to make to stay together. While it seemed like we’d be separated for an eternity at the start, it almost seems like a blur now. After 5 years of probably over 200 000 miles in flights back and forth, we had made it. Both of us had grown so much as individuals, living our lives separately while maintaining our love and admiration for one another. Beyond the 9 hour time difference, the videocalls, the loneliness, and due to the pandemic, the isolation, we always stayed tight with one another: in sync beyond distance, dreaming of the days where we would be back in each other's loving arms and create a beautiful life together.

3 years ago, we were rejoined and rejoiced, soaking up every minute of each other's company. Every day we fall more in love than ever and feel so lucky to live our whole lives together forevermore. A love that stretches over values, goals, pleasure, and purpose. I am beyond thrilled to be able to adore my love and have her by my side while we continue to venture through life’s challenges. I feel truly blessed to have already had nearly a decade to spend with the love of my life, my partner in all aspects and I cannot wait for the rest of them to create more memories together.

Now we will be united as one for the rest of our lives, a true love story that is always ongoing.