My boyfriend, Gary, and I had our first date on February 24, 2022. When we met, his speech was slower, but it was thought that he had long Covid symptoms. By that September, Gary realized he needed to go to the doctor because things were getting worse. On November 15, just 264 days into our relationship, Gary was diagnosed with ALS.

He was 55 and I was 50, and our conversations went from looking for a home to buy to what were going to do and how were we going to do this. Several people questioned why I would stay in this relationship and care for someone I hadn’t known for very long. It was simple – I loved him.

The day he was diagnosed I told him we were a team and we would get through this together. I also promised his family that I wouldn’t abandon him, but would do everything I needed to do to care for him. We started living in the moment – going to lots of concerts and taking every trip we could fit in. I work for an incredible organization who has supported me through this and is very flexible when it comes to me taking the time to care for Gary. I still work full-time outside our home, but find a way to help him with all his needs.

Thankfully, Gary has an incredible attitude, which has made caring for him a little easier. We make the best team, and in the end, love conquers all.