My work schedule has never been easy and she faced that first hand the first 6 months of our relationship. On top of that, she spent 10-12 strenuous hours a day at school, five days a week; but we always made it work. I will always cherish those nights cooking dinner together and enjoying a glass of wine. Those are some of my favorite memories together and a reminder of how much the small things matter. This last year together has been nothing short of amazing.

In March of 2016 we had a conversation I’ll never forget. I asked her what she wanted for her graduation present and she responded with, “a puppy or a ring;” which made us both chuckle. Little did she know, I already knew she was getting that ring. It only took me two months to know that she was the one for me and I wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her. 

On May 23, 2016 she graduated from Dental Hygiene School. We were surrounded by our families and friends; a perfect stage for me to get down on one knee. Twelve months after we started dating, I ask her to marry me; overlooking the lake where our relationship had started. It was the perfect beginning to our future together.

To this day I still get butterflies when I see her; especially after being up and down California for 30 days straight fighting fires. I just can’t get enough of her! The thing I love most about Amanda is her selflessness. She always puts others before herself; the happiness of her loved ones is always her priority. A quality I truly admire. She is the most amazing woman I have ever met and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with her; I am looking forward to our lifelong journey together!