Two months after meeting in Milwaukee in September of 2020, Katy and James road tripped to Bozeman, Montana where James was living. One morning, James brought Katy to his favorite Bozeman bakery, Wild Crumb. While they waited in line for huckleberry scones, they noticed a scenic Rocky Mountain painting hanging on the wall of the shop. Beneath the painting, a plaque read, “Mountains teach that not everything in this world can be rationally explained.” The quote made an impression on both of them; it summates the inspiration and peace they feel when they are outside exploring nature's wonders together. For Christmas that year, Katy gave James an original piece of her own artwork. She hand-painted the quote beneath the outline of the Bridger mountains that rise behind Wild Crumb in Bozeman. It was the most thoughtful gift that James had ever received. Over the next three years, Katy and James crisscrossed the West exploring mountains, waterfalls, vineyards, and coastlines from Montana to California, Colorado to Utah, and New Mexico to Oregon. With her empathy, sensitivity, kindness, and beauty, Katy imprinted a very special mark on James’s heart.

Finding love after loss wasn’t something James was ready for in 2020, 2021, 2022, or in 2023, but with enough time and much effort, he has embraced love and their pursuit of a beautiful life together. They have had an adventurous beginning, and they will continue their journey practicing respect, curiosity, and compassion for each other. Thank you all for being a special part of Katy & James!