We met unexpectedly on a dating app. I had just ended a 10-year marriage and was figuring out single life. Aaron was rebuilding his life after some difficult years. After matching and chatting, I stood him up a couple of times before we finally met. It wasn't love at first sight, but the chemistry was undeniable. What started as an unlikely connection grew into a deep, lasting love. We fell for each other, started a life together, and the rest is history in the making.

Choosing one memory is almost impossible after over four amazing years together, but our family vacation to Colorado in June 2023 stands out the most. Fifteen of us shared a cabin for a week filled with incredible food, mountaineer adventures, hiking, music, singing, quiet moments with books, and even spotting a real life wild bear. It wasn't just our best vacation - it perfectly captured the joy, laughter, and togetherness that define our relationship and life goals.

While an extravagant vacation or a big shopping spree sounds tempting, we would be using a significant amount of funds to help us care for Aaron's aging mom so she can live her life at home, without financial worries. We'd also invest some in our future using it strategically to strengthen our financial foundation, reduce stress, and create lasting stability as we build our life together. It's not the flashy answer, but it's the one that would have the greatest impact.