April 28th, 2023

That date is etched into my heart forever, but not just because it was Nina’s medical school graduation—a day that celebrated years of her hard work, resilience, and brilliance. It’s because, on that same day, I took the most nerve-wracking, exciting, and monumental leap of my life.

It all started the day before, when I worked up the courage to sit down with her parents. I was sweating like I’d just run a marathon—my palms clammy, my voice wavering. When she left the room to grab something from the kitchen, I knew it was now or never. Her dad’s grin when I asked for his blessing could have lit up the whole room, but his teasing comment, “This young man has a question for your mother,” nearly sent my heart into overdrive. As her mom entered, the nerves doubled. But the love and warmth in their response made every second worth it.

Graduation day arrived, and while Nina was glowing with pride and excitement, I was quietly spiraling. Watching her walk across that stage, I was overwhelmed with admiration - and a side order of sweaty palms. By the time we got to the Buffalo Club for her celebratory dinner, I knew I needed something to take the edge off. A couple of shots later, my nerves were starting to ease - until I realized I was this close to getting tipsy. Getting lit wasn’t the answer for what I was about to do!

When the moment finally came, I felt like my heart was trying to escape my chest. As we walked into the side room, where her family was lined up and a big sign reading “Marry Me” stood in front of us, time seemed to slow down. Her face—equal parts shock, joy, and love—made all my fears vanish. I barely remember what I said, but I do remember the way she looked at me when she said yes.

That day wasn’t just about her incredible achievement, though that alone was monumental. It was about the life we were about to build together, the partnership we were cementing, and the love we shared. Her graduation was a celebration of her hard work, and the proposal was a celebration of our future.

Looking back, I still laugh at how nervous I was, how sweaty my hands got, and how close I came to overindulging at dinner. But I wouldn’t change a thing—because that day, I got to honor the woman I love in every possible way. It was the end of one chapter for her and the beginning of a whole new book for us.