We crossed paths online through Facebook Dating around Thanksgiving in November 2019. From the start, there was an undeniable connection, like we had known each other for years. We quickly realized we shared plenty of quirky similarities, like both having female dogs, the same color, and oddly enough, both named Keira and Kira. Over the next couple of weeks, we stayed in touch through messages, calls, and video chats, even though Stephen was in Ohio working and I was in St. Louis. By the time our first date rolled around on December 14, 2019, we felt like we already had a history together.

For our first date, we decided to take on the Christmas lights at the St. Louis Zoo, then grabbed some food before heading to the St. Louis Botanical Gardens for more lights. We wrapped up the evening with Imo’s pizza and Provel cheese bites, a local favorite. A few days later, Stephen headed back to Ohio, then braved travel delays to make it home in time for our first Christmas together. His determination to get to me, despite the setbacks, set the tone for our adventurous journey ahead.

Shortly after, Stephen headed to Colorado to snowboard with friends. When he invited me to join him, I didn’t hesitate. I flew out to Colorado, experiencing the breathtaking mountains and the charm of Frisco for the first time—and, of course, more time with Stephen. That trip solidified what we already knew: we were in it for the long haul.

Since then, our lives have been a whirlwind of ups and downs—surviving a global pandemic, overcoming second-degree burns, dealing with job losses, and coping with the sudden death of my twin brother. But through it all, we've been each other's constant, tackling every challenge together, always moving forward and finding new adventures along the way. Our journey continues to unfold, and we’re excited for what’s next