Alicia and I grew up in the same safe middle-class suburb. We lived less than a mile apart. In fact, we ran in the same social circles, played the same sport, and went to the same high school. With what must have been fate or bad luck, we somehow only knew each other by name.

After graduation, we went our separate ways until like magic, we appeared on each other's screens. We both swiped right and fell fast. But behind the smiles produced on social media, we were still facing demons. Mentally and physically still affected by the memories we pushed away and feared to face.

A year after our first date; after therapy, frustration, and time apart we finally opened the vault and surrendered everything. Together we stood up to the challenges from the past and on November 3rd, 2018 we started our future.

With the support of friends and most importantly each other; we have started to shape a life together. We moved hours away from anyone we know to settle down in a small town and start a family. I hold my head high and call this beautiful woman my wife as we face the rest of our lives hand-in-hand.