We met on an online dating app. He had a life goal of visiting all of the national parks and I thought,that sounds like fun. I picked a sporty daytime date hoping he wanted to get to know the real me. We went disc golfing and talked about music and a future farm. Afterwards we got ice cream and he told me about being adopted and why he is sober. I found him intriguing as well as safe. We hung out for Halloween and went to a show in Baton Rouge. His driving was impeccable and he was a complete gentleman. Through our dates I learned that we shared many common values and dreams. His passion for nature and adventure, paired with his dedication to a healthy lifestyle, made me admire him more each day.

I remember the moment I realized how special he was: during my 40th birthday trip to America's first National Park Hot Springs. It wasn't just his kindness and patience, his willingness to show up for me, but also his honesty and openness. He was both vulnerable and strong, and I found that incredibly inspiring.

Our first few dates made it clear that we were a good match. While disc golfing on our first date, we opened up and had deeper conversations than we expected. On our second date, Teresa forgot her phone at home. Although it could be alarming to be at the mercy of a practical stranger without her phone, she felt safe and taken care of.

We bonded over our shared interest in the outdoors, like disc golfing, kayaking, and camping. When we started playing Magic the Gathering, a card game, we connected deeply. Teresa had not played before, but she was interested in learning, and has really gotten into it. I was happy to share one of my favorite things with her, and we have epic battles at the kitchen table regularly.

I realized how much I cared about Teresa during the Slidell tornado. Life or death situations make it clear how much you value another person. We helped each other put the house back together and survive without power or a backyard fence.

I knew I wanted to propose to Teresa when she gave me a gift of tickets to a wrestling show and a video Cameo message by Danhausen, one of my favorite wrestlers. She knows what makes me happy and celebrates it. She accepts me for who I am and I am grateful for that. She is patient and gives me space to be myself.