We met in 2011. Ed had the audacity and nerve to ask me out as we were waiting to see a physician. We both had been experiencing some traumatic events in our life that led us into separate depressions. We had at different moments decided to meet at the same place. He saw me sitting on a bench with my headphones on and wondered would I like to go out to dinner. I was biding my time to see the physician and go to some groups. I asked my fellow classmates if I should go and they said hell yes. Get out of here girl. So I decided to go out. On our first date I was shocked he tried to kiss me. I was still trying to follow some order and rules. But being the generous spirited person that Ed is broke me out of my shell. Ed continued to ask me to go get coffee take a drive to Cape May maybe have dinner in Atlantic City or Somers Point. We both were starting with nothing. We both were starting with a broken heart and a broken soul. But we had hope for each other. We weren't blaming other people for our sorrows. We just were stuck in different places at the same time and were able to work it out. We trekked from New Jersey to Florida after spending more time with each other. We decided to move to Florida full-time. It was a trust exercise. I learned how to trust him on a daily basis. And he became more independent. We moved back to New Jersey 4 years later. His family supported our decisions to work in the area and live nearby. We began to spread our wings. We were living in Galloway then Egg Harbor City and did I mention working working. I finally got that amazing librarian position I had sought after since I was a first year college student and Ed continued to do his plumber's trade. We've learned a lot from each other. He has helped me manage my time more efficiently and with love. And I have helped him to be more confident. We both believe gratitude is the best attitude. And we share this story with you so that you can be encouraged in your darkest of days to find the light. That love is the only logical equation that solves problems and heals wounds.