All throughout my life I heard some variation of "when you find your soulmate, you just know." I never understood this sentiment, and felt that true love was something which was built over the course of years. Little did I know that just over two years ago, I would understand that old adage better than I could have ever imagined.

Like many millennials, Palmer and I first met on the dating app, Hinge. When we first matched and began talking, Palmer had just found out her lifelong best friend Meridith had passed away. While I was never able to meet her, Meridith is as part of our love story as anyone else. The friendship her and Palmer shared helped craft her into the woman of my dreams. While it breaks my heart I will never be able to know the fiery soul she was, I value every ounce of her that helped Palmer become who she is today. While we both clicked immediately messaging over Hinge, I suggested that we wait a few weeks to let her grieve, and promised I wasn't going anywhere. Now I know Palmer definitely never believed I would actually wait for her, but I knew she was special and wanted to be sure that we could start what I hoped would be a relationship off on level ground.

I don't remember who reached out after a few weeks. I imagine it was Palmer though. I asked to take her to dinner and we met at a funky little chain restaurant called Chuy's. I had moved to Denver only 8 months prior from Lubbock, TX. I frequented Chuy's in Texas, and chose it for our first date to reduce my anxiety since I would at least know the menu. I'll never forget when I first saw Palmer in person. She was so gorgeous that any peace knowing the menu would give me went right out the window.

That anxiety was entirely unfounded. To say we clicked immediately would be an understatement. Within the first 5 minutes of sitting down, I knew something was different about Palmer. She was so sweet, so personable, so attentive, and above all, radiated a beautiful loving energy. It was like she was a lifelong friend. We shared our past struggles with addiction, our fears and hopes for the future, and ultimately decided that we needed to see each other again as soon as possible.

Over the next 2 months, Palmer and I would grow closer and start officially dating. It took almost no time at all to realize that I was falling madly in love with her. Communication and problem solving came so naturally. Not only was she incredibly safe, understanding and sweet, but also fiercely stood by her beliefs of helping others and loving those struggling to love themselves.

...Palmer here. I was ready to make it "official" before Erik. I'll never forget him telling me he spoke with his therapist about making sure he was ready. This was the first time I felt truly safe with Erik. It was a type of safe completely unfamiliar. Erik was listening. He was expressing his fears, hearing mine, and validating where I was coming from. It was a type of communication that was so refreshing and simultaneously terrifying! I remember crying in front of him, overwhelmed with relief and a serious realization that this guy really was IT!

Erik moved farther north, up near Boulder, and we started to introduce each other to our families. Dates included a Daft Punk cover band, hiking, and farmers markets. We found out I have a vicious competitive side when it comes to mini golf and Erik is mentally unwell when the Eagles play. Hey, everyone has their weaknesses!

In January of 2024, a year into our relationship, we moved in together. Erik made deliberate gestures to welcome me into his space. We both made adjustments to blend our lifestyles and Loki (Erik's corgi) begrudgingly let Willett (my pit mix) into his space. As we spent more and more time together Erik never made me feel "annoying," "weird," or "crazy." He has energy, original thought, creativity, humor, and a humble understanding of himself. To his friends and family that shaped him into the person he is today, I am grateful. Our perspectives align politically and spiritually, yet we both learn from each other.

Anyway, back to the story! Spring was filled with travel to Saint Lucia, Utah, and Iowa. We explored our area of Colorado including the county fair, skiing with Erik's brother, Michael, hiking, and bowling. Erik's plant hobby turned into a small business and I ended my teaching career to become a mental health therapist.

Our trip to Switzerland was just around the corner. Erik went all out preparing a fairytale trip, renting a little cabin in the valley of Lauterbrunnen. We both knew we had found our life partner and spoke openly of our plans getting married. Denise, Erik's mother, gifted her diamond to us, and we had the special privilege of designing an engagement ring together. This was it!

In July Erik went to Switzerland the week before me in order to get time to paraglide in the Alps. I made the trip to meet him and we traveled by train deep into the mountains. The first morning we woke in our little cabin was breathtaking. We had coffee and I got ready for a day of touring. I had a feeling Erik was going to purpose that evening. Before we left to get breakfast Erik called me out to the back patio. He had spotted some rock climbers on the valley walls and was excited for me to catch a glimpse! It was hard to see and he encouraged me to step forward and look more carefully. That’s when I heard Erik behind me say, “Palmer?” I turned around and he was on one knee! My head was so shocked with adrenaline and euphoria that I barely remember the proposal. Thankfully it was on video! There were no rock climbers, Erik had pulled off a surprise even with so much of the engagement already planned. It was truly the best day of my life. We hugged, cried, and got to practically float around the villages both so excited to be engaged. The following days included breathtaking views, delicious cheese and chocolate, and several video calls to inform our loved ones of our big news!

The months since have flown by with wedding planning, new jobs, and an EAGLES SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP!!! It still feels too good to be true, yet here we are! We cannot wait to celebrate with you in July. See you soon!

Love,

Palmer and Erik

P&E