Don't ever kid yourself about loving someone. It is just that most people are not lucky enough to ever have it. You never had it before and now you have it. What you have with Maria, whether it lasts just through today and a part of tomorrow, or whether it lasts for a long life is the most important thing that can happen to a human being. There will always be people who say it does not exist because you have it. But I tell you it is true and that you have it and that you are lucky even if you die tomorrow.

-Ernest Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls

Today, marks a new day. I cannot articulate all of the words, nor expound upon the vast emotions I've felt. The situation that I find myself in is that of prevailing levels of love and passion. I have never felt this way before, and therefore, I do not ever wish to lose that. Such excitement has befallen me and I have continually remind myself that the dream has finally become a reality, for I am no longer in a facsimile subconscious state. 

She said yes.

How incredible this feeling is! Yet, I have found it difficult to grasp the gravity of the awe this will undoubtedly bring. How amazing it is to truly find love. There is such hope in that tiny phrase. At times, it is callously thrown to the wolves, as though it was a gesture, at par with the common "hello." But, it isn't. It means so much more, very much more than an informal address. It isn't static or stationary; ordinary white noise of the emotionless masses. 

It was not only that she said yes, but added to a validation that needed to be confirmed. It meant more than verbal recognition of all things mutual. Love was there. She verbalized much more, than simply, "yes." 

In it, there was hope. Hope for life, love, and happiness. To be there, here and now, as well in the distant and present futures. It was as if to say in the most convincing poker face, "I am all in." 

Today, this post is dedicated to you, Kayla Marie. Thank you for making one exuberant and ecstatic man. I am excited for the journey we are about to embark on. 

I love you.