I was working at the Bean Life Science Museum when Ben and I met and started dating. When we knew of each other, but were too nervous to ask each other out, I was working at the Bean Museum in a snake exhibit and Ben came through for an art class. I remember being so nervous, and so excited I had an excuse to talk to him. I started talking to him about snakes and other animals (which would become a regular occurrence in our marriage) and he indulged my animal chats. At the end, I gave him a snake sticker from the museum that we gave to all the visitors who wanted one.

One day, after we were married, Ben showed me the sticker he had kept for over a year, in his phone case. Ben has always been a sweet, thoughtful, and sentimental man. It was an honor to know and love him.