It was December of 2020 and everyone was at their wits end with the great (or not so great) COVID pandemic. I was in the process of selling my townhouse in Charlotte and Amanda was in Texas for the holidays. Even though 1,000s of miles separated us, we matched on Hinge and started chatting (although not with any regularity because Amanda is not the most responsive texter).

Amanda ended up extending her stay in Texas, so it would be another 6 weeks before we'd actually get to meet in person. Finally, on 2/13/2021, we met at the Common Market in Charlotte, NC. It was raining and cold (for us southerners) but we spent almost 3 hours just sitting and talking. It was after that first date that we both thought there might be something there. Maybe, in fact, this was both of our last first dates.

Over the next several weeks we saw each other with increasing frequency. We went to a dessert showcase, several different lunches and dinners, and Amanda organized a really cool donut tour of Charlotte (personally curating the list for any place that had strawberry frosted donuts...my favorite).

Our first trip was a book tour of Greenville, SC. For those who don't know her, Amanda is an avid reader. In fact, I'm not sure avid is a strong enough word. We have a library in our house.

Our first destination trip was to Fripp Island to celebrate my best friends 50th. My friends were finally able to see the person that constantly made me smile. After that we went to Savannah with Addy and Hampton, the mountains both to hike and to get some R&R, and last but not least the Dominican Republic for a much needed all-inclusive vacation.

Although 2021 had a lot of excitement, 2022 was a particularly challenging year for us. We experienced loss, sad times, and a few other things we'd like to forget. However, through the good and the bad, we have learned to depend on each other and have grown even closer. More importantly, it has made us even more excited to spend our lives together and for all that the future has to offer. We are looking forward to the next year of planning our wedding and then officially starting our life together!

We look forward to seeing you all and celebrating!