Written By: Ryan Coleman
When I was first diagnosed with Schizophrenia, I never thought I would get married someday. It seemed so far out of reach. I went 14 years being single. Then one day I met Jennifer online.
I knew right away she was different. She was so patient and kind. I can be a real handful, but she embraced my eccentricities with grace and compassion. We have been together a little over two years and have been through a broken foot, career changes, family crisis, and now a pandemic.
A few months ago, I started thinking we might make it. Our relationship might survive the trials we have been through, so I bought a ring. I was terrified when it arrived. Would she say yes? I knew she was worth the risk, so I took her to our favorite spot in Vancouver. There is a secret little park that not many know about with a bench in it that overlooks the water and it’s almost always empty.
We have spent so many summer days watching the boats pass. I thought this would be the perfect place for a proposal.
When we arrived, I told her the story of a Unicorn, a fabled creature that cannot be caught. When the Unicorn finds love, it becomes mortal. She was my Unicorn. I said one life with her would be enough, and I asked her to marry me. She said yes!
Now we are happier than ever. I am so grateful for every moment we spend together, and I know we will outlast COVID-19 and build a life or even a family. In a world where we must all be far apart from each other right now; hope brings us closer.
