Bridget just needed a Calculus tutor...

College went by fast. The Gerads' invited me up for Thanksgiving first year... and then Christmas... and then every holiday after that! Eventually they just adopted me.

After college we kept in contact. This is us meeting up in Germany with some friends!

While Bridget was getting her degree in Psychology, I decided to pursue the seminary. I was sent for formation and discernment at a priory before entering. I was accepted to the seminary, but when my time was up at the priory I decided not to proceed. I think that was a hard year for both of us...

After some reflection on the Camino de Santiago with my fellow ex-pre-seminarians, I came to Minnesota to visit Bridget...

We talked, and after asking her father, Bridget and I started dating on September 25th, 2023! So of course we both went to go visit our mutual friend Joe Messing, and get his blessing. After much persuasion, he relented!

...but I hadn't seen my family in 5 years and I had some catching up to do. I came back to Mexico to reconnect with my brothers. During this time we had the dreaded "long distance" relationship.

Eventually after a few months with my family, I took a road trip with my brother up to St. Cloud to be closer to Bridget and get to know her family better. On the way up, while passing through St. Marys, I found a house for sale and started looking into buying it!

It took a few days but eventually both Bridget and I got apartments (oh... and a ferret). I invited Joe Messing to come live with me and Bridget moved in with Sophie Cruze and her sister Philomena.

We went on a few dates. Explored Minnesota. Lived life. I bought the house. And then I brought her to where we talked about dating (Munsinger Gardens) and, on a rock over the Mississippi river, I asked her to marry me.