Nate was to talk to, easy to be around, and everything was enjoyable when I was with him. I wanted that in a friend, and that’s how our friendship started. When a time came that I needed someone that I could say exactly how I felt came, I would think, “I would love someone who is able to get me like he does.” When a situation came where what I said held value and weight, I would think, “I would love someone who is able to hold my words with weight and value my thoughts.” When a situation of conflict would arise, I would think, “I would love someone that would handle this situation in that way.” When a situation of discussing God would arise, I would think, “I would love someone that would think about their relationship to God in that way.” When a moment of being unreasonable would come up, I would think, “I would love someone who knew how to handle me in this way.” Until I realized that Nate was the person who got me, who was held my thoughts and words with value, who knew how to handle me and how to handle conflict, and who knew who he was in Christ as a follower. I knew the “I would love someone who…” became the, “I love you.”

The first and most consistent thing that strikes me about Esther is how creative and fun she can be! She came to one of my Halloween parties making the biggest impression by far with her makeshift bank robber outfit and her accessory Pomeranian, Pierre, dressed as the stolen bag of money! I know immediately she is the type of person that finds joy and humor through creativity, and someone I can tell is worth getting to know on a deeper level. Little do I know that one day she would even steal my heart. A few years go by and we remain friends. My love for Esther doesn’t spark until the night of my birthday in 2018. On the day of my birthday I receive a text from Esther asking if I have any plans to celebrate. Since it is the middle of the week, my friends don’t plan on celebrating until the weekend, but Esther insists we go out together that night because someone “HAS to celebrate you” as she put it. As tired as I am after work, I reluctantly agree, and quickly find out it is one of the best decisions I ever make. Esther greets me with her patented beaming smile, and quickly bestows upon me a delicious cannoli cupcake. The night continues to be one deep conversation or laugh after another as we close down the restaurant. Although my feet carry me to the parking lot, I find I don’t want to leave, and I become so in awe of the woman I spent my night with. The coming dates and time we spend together throughout 2019 provide further affirmation of God working to knit our stories together. Each and every day I learn from Esther, and I realize she embodies so many things that help and encourage me to become a more complete man. Through Esther, I’m constantly reminded of God’s love as I see it displayed through her beauty, tenderness, and grace. Most importantly, she desires to prove herself faithful in serving Christ through everything she does. She really has the total package, and I’m honored she said yes to join me through all of life’s adventures!