The 2 biggest questions that have been received by either of us are;

"Do you think your courtship is moving a little fast", and "How did you two meet?"

Ironically, the answers are NO, and;

as it may be...we met in prison.

(I will pause here and let you soak that in a minute).

Sarah and I began our journey through employment at the Idaho Department of Correction in 2007. Not only were each of us learning a new career, we maintained our own lives, raised children of our own, I was in the military and we both worked long hours and endured the responsibilities that a correctional officer is expected to perform. At that time in our lives all we knew is that we enjoyed working together.

Over those years at the prison Sarah and I had witnessed one another's work ethic and grown comfortable enough in our friendship where we could laugh, cry, lean upon, and support each other both on our best days as well as our worst. And before you ask, yes, on a few occasions we would argue relentlessly. As a matter of fact, a mutually good friend of ours once said "Man, you guys fight like a married couple".

Nevertheless, we would walk out of the institution together side by side; even if one or the other was delayed from finishing our daily tasks. One could say that we really got to know and build the necessary foundation of a deep, meaningful friendship and basis for a relationship; as the prison environment will test your courage, patience, persistence, integrity and character. One could also say that we had developed our foundation to a closeness and bond that some people never achieve their entire lives. All because we believe in one another, trust, compliment our strengths and weaknesses, rely on each other, talk through our differences, meet each other half way, compromise on the bigger challenges, ask for help when needed, and celebrate each other; as well as our successes regardless of size.

As the years passed, work shifts changed and promotions, the reality was that we drifted apart. However, looking back, we both acknowledge that the energy between us and the kindness in our eyes never left as we greeted each other on the breezeway or when relieving one another for overtime obligations or shift changes. One could say that in the back of our minds we knew the friendship we had been developing was strong, healthy and something we could continue to build upon. We still appreciated working with one another and looked forward to the opportunities as they presented themselves.

In 2016 I left the prison for greater opportunities and developing my talent within IT support. Sarah remained working at the prison until 2019. Unfortunately we never saw each other again upon my departure of the department.

By the grace of God, in 2020, our paths crossed again through that evil platform known as Facebook. Later we discovered that this was "just the right time". I had gone through a divorce and Sarah had all but given up hope on meeting her lifelong partner and hand holding companion.

Low and behold, on the birthday of Sarah's late mother, July 18 2020, we went on our first date. We had so much fun sharing a meal, talking, catching up on kids and life, enjoying the company of each other, holding hands, getting to know one another again, and taking in the sights around us without a care in the world. I am happy to report that this date was 14 hours long. Reality was... neither one of us wanted to leave.

And this, my family and friends, is where our story brings us. A friendship and fondness of one another that cultivates happiness, affection, devotion, commitment, value and love. Our relationship is blessed by God and sealed with a tender hug and kiss. And the cool thing is... It is just the beginning and the best is yet to come. We have and always will find a way to choose one another.