After coming out in May 2012, I began searching for someone to be with: a partner, a nice Jewish guy.
I began by going to Keshet events and meeting guys on OKCupid. There were some nice guys, but nothing clicked.
During one Keshet Shabbat, I chatted with another guy about our Jewish and spiritual journeys and felt something between us. But he left before I could get his name.
Months later we reconnected and agreed to meet in Cambridge, Mass. The date was a long walk along the Charles River from Cambridge to Copley Square in Boston. Aden and I could not stop talking. Sitting on a bench on Copley square he leaned in for a kiss on the cheek.
I felt nervous. This was the first time someone felt that close to me. I didn’t know what this would lead to, but I felt something special.
Eight months later, I went up to his home and noticed something was off. He was nervous and out of character.
I asked, “Is something happening tomorrow?”
“No!” he replied quickly.
I glared and thought for a moment. “Are you going to propose to me tomorrow?”
In a split second he responded, “No, I got you a puppy, and his name is Jim Henson.
The next day we went together to help Keshet set up for Boston Pride 2014. I was excited and nervous to meet my supposed new puppy.
When we arrived, my friend Adam from high school was there. Not totally out of the ordinary, I knew he was going to Pride, but I was confused as to why he was spending so much time chatting with me. But anyway, I was meeting a puppy, what did I care?
Along came Aden’s friend Sara, without a puppy. I was confused.
Instead, he got down on one knee and showed me a sign that read “Will you travel through space and time with me?”
He gave me a TARDIS box with a ring in it. He said he loved me, my family, my friends, and my Jewish commitment. And then asked, “Will you marry me?” I said yes.
We held signs sharing our brand new engagement as we marched through the parade. While marching, we heard shouts of “Mazel Tov” and “Congratulations!”
It was quite a day. Aden told me he had to do it on Pride because it was a meaningful day for me. Two years prior I had just come out. Aden put so much thought into the day, which shows his love and care for making meaning in life and understanding me like nobody else.
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