Almost ten years ago I started a conversation with a girl wearing leather boots, frayed jeans, a black leather jacket, and a sun faded bandana. It was the eve of Halloween and as I talked with Kate for the first time all I could do to keep a straight face was look deeply into her blue eyes to distract myself from her Magic Marker scruff and “biker” persona.
That night would be the first of many unforgettable events as Kate became my unfailing best friend, supporter, partner-in-crime, adviser, travel buddy, debater, sound effects, constant companion, and eventually my other half. When I first met Kate I knew she was not like other girls, and now after a decade I can see that it is her uniqueness, intelligence, and inherent understanding of what matters in life that sets her apart and inspires me today.
Three years ago I again looked into Kate’s eyes and saw a beautiful future, only this time she was wearing an angelic white dress.
