How it all began…

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It all started as a birthday greeting…on fb. Lol.  I remember seeing Josh’s profile and thought “wait, I remember him! I’m gonna greet him.” I noticed he was in his yellow and was so interested in what he’s been up to. I remember how we got to tie in my last day in Oregon and remember how sweet and funny he was. I’ll never forget when he showed up at my parents house with his baby blue flower button up. I knew I’d connect with him again. Josh has made me feel a love that I’ve never felt before. He has taught me so much and has made me feel safe and able to just be myself. I’m so grateful to call him my partner, my better half, my peace. I admire what he does and the way he sees life. He’s opened my eyes in many ways and I feel like I’ve been truly living fully since I’ve been with him. To many more adventures :) I am blessed to be able to be by his side. Cheers to building together!  

~Alyssa

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Alyssa and I became pen pals while I was away working the 23' fire season. I remember seeing her pretty smile and her name pop up on my phone one morning before we headed out to the line for work. It was my birthday. I was taken back and excited to hear from someone I haven't seen in years! In the following weeks we got to know each other. I remember we had very little service outside of fire camp so I would get Alyssa’s messages when we would return for dinner. I remember her being so curious on what we were doing out there and what all goes into our line of work. It felt nice to know that someone was rooting for me/us back at home. I don't know if she knew this at the time, but her messages of encouragement kept me going. In my heart I believed it was the start of something special. We eventually made plans to hang out and see each other on my next R&R.

I remember driving down to visit Alyssa’s family home after our assignment up in Bellingham, Wa. I remember being both nervous and excited to see her and her family. Despite all of that I remember feeling happy and filled with joy knowing I was reconnecting with the De Los Reyes family after many years. I was welcomed with a hug from her mom, Tess, and a firm handshake from her father, Jun. It was so good to see her sister’s Mary and Heather as well that day. Alyssa and I grabbed some pizza off of Mississippi Street and hung out with the dogs before I drove her to the airport for her trip back to Massachusetts. When I dropped her off I hoped that I would someday see her again.

Since that day the underlying theme of our relationship has been one of supporting one another. Encouraging each other, day in and day out. I feel that Alyssa and I have a “I will pull you up when you fall, so you can help me when I slow down” kind of relationship. I think that is the biggest blessing I take from my relationship with her, being able to accomplish things together. Life can be difficult at times, almost seemingly impossible. Especially in times when we are by ourselves. The one caveat to life though, I feel, is that we always have community. We have the ability to shine a light onto others. Alyssa shares her light with me and helped guide me through some really challenging times. For that I am eternally grateful.

~ Josh