It all started with a “right swipe”. Troy and I met during Covid where the world was uncertain and the only way to meet new people were online. On a whim I made a tinder account that said “ I like cats, Taylor swift and to travel”. Apparently my bio was enough to get Troy’s attention cause that same day I made my account, I had a message from him. Troy was the first person who reached out and remember saying, “here’s my number, I’m deleting this app”. When he texted me he asked if I would be his date to a wedding in Virginia that coming April (spoiler alert I was). We instantly bonded over our love of traveling, crime shows and sports.

Troy’s and I first date was at Rookie’s bar in Stevens Point, there was a Packer game on. I remember showing up with my hair done in space buns and being so nervous. He was already in the bar and waiting for me. I remember talking most of the game instead of watching it. Our second date was two months later, unfortunately I got covid then Troy did. So in between thoses two months we had to rely on text, FaceTime and calls. Our second date finally came around and I finally went to Troy’s apartment where we were suppose to watch a movie but we just talked instead. Slowly and more often we started to hang out. And then suddenly I found myself and my cat Soy Sauce spending the night in Steven point almost every night . At that time, I was living in Wausua which was a 45 minutes away from Troy. But we always made the drive to Troy everyday.

Then in February I found out I was moving to Texas for my job. I remember saying to him, “ we can still date but if you’re not up for it, I understand”. I also always added “ I didn’t plan on just falling in love with you and then just moving away”. I remember Troy told me in that moment that he loved me too (well he just said “ me too”) and that he would wait for me, that it wasn’t a goodbye but rather a see you later. Again, since this was during Covid I ended up not moving since I became fully remote. Troy later told me he was planning on moving to Dallas Texas with me, but he wasn’t going to tell me until a month before. It’s crazy how life always works out.

During the summer when the bucks won the championship Troy and I got another cat named Wonton. Shortly after, I moved to Stevens Point and we moved in together to our first apartment. Troy and I have traveled the world but we both agree, that living together has been our best adventure yet.

After one month living together Troy planned an entire trip for me to Duluth. On the shore of Lake Superior (just like his parents), Troy purposed to me on the beach. He said “ Kimber you’re my best friend and the love of my life. Will you marry me”? It was the most perfect moment I could ever imagine and easiest question I ever been asked. I couldn’t have said yes faster.