Abby and I met for the first time in the Fall of 2015 when we both arrived for training at Villanova University's Naval Reserve Officer Unit. The vibrant Villanova community provided us with remarkable opportunities for involvement, Abby through the nursing program and Kappa Delta, and myself through the Swimming and Diving team. Looking back, those years seem to have passed in the blink of an eye.

In the spring of 2019, as we received our official Navy assignments and our time at Villanova drew to a close, I finally mustered the courage to confess my feelings for Abby and (thankfully) she reciprocated. The remainder of the school year and early summer were filled with small dates around the main line and peaceful Sunday evening masses at St. Thomas of Villanova.

Subsequently, Abby was assigned to her first duty station in Washington, D.C., while I ventured to Charleston, SC, to commence my naval training pipeline. The challenges of distance and demanding work schedules became evident. Our daily routines evolved into early morning text exchanges, necessitated by our rotating night and day shifts.

The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic introduced additional trials related to distance, yet it also presented us with an opportunity to fortify our bond in new ways. We delved into the wisdom found in books like Bob Goff's "Love Does" and engaged in games of chess over FaceTime, long before "The Queen's Gambit" hit the screens. Exploring renowned museums around the world and even venturing onto the surface of Mars through Virtual Reality became our new means of shared experiences.

Through these trials and tribulations, we discovered what our relationship meant to us. Our sense of fulfillment arose from the love and support we extended to one another despite the geographical gap. Distance wasn't a hindrance but rather a challenge that we embraced together.

For the past three years, I've been residing in Norfolk, making weekend visits to Washington, D.C. Our memories there are plenty, from festive holiday gatherings and themed events to lively nights out in the city.

Now, as Abby embarks on her journey to Boston and I complete my sea tour, the time has come to take the next step in our relationship. I can’t wait for the continued growth of our bond in the coming year and look forward to celebrating with you, our cherished friends and family.

- Francis