Our Story

I don’t even think my words can fully describe how much this man means to me. Brandon has been not only the love of my life, but he has been my number 1 supporter, my rock and my best friend.

When Brandon and I met, I was in a dark place. I had just given up my apartment in Mississauga, left my job, and was in a deep depression. I wasn’t looking for anything other than someone to text. I didn’t want to talk to anyone on the phone, I didn’t want to meet up with anyone because my anxiety and depression was so bad. I wanted to have someone to talk to. I decided to go on Tinder, of all things. I remember seeing his picture and swiping right. Almost instantly, I received a message from him. We started chatting and exchanged numbers.

A few days went by, we talked here and there. The moment I knew he was going to be more than “just someone to text” was when I was sitting in my car, it was pouring rain and I was about to go into my friend’s son’s 1st birthday party. I was supposed to go to Windsor for the weekend for a girl’s getaway weekend with my friend, but my anxiety was through the roof, and I didn’t want to be that far away from home. Brandon had sent me a snapchat. He was in his garage working on his truck. When I opened that snapchat, I saw this perfect smile, dimples that I absolutely melt for, and these beautiful blue eyes. As corny as it sounds, it felt like my heart skipped a beat.

From that moment on, I found myself wanting to talk to him more and more. We decided to facetime when I got home that night. It was an instant “virtual” connection. We talked for hours. We told each other about ourselves and got all of the difficult conversations/topics out in the open immediately. I told him why I wasn't working at the time, the reason being my anxiety and depression. It didn't scare him away like every other person. It didn't even phase him. He just accepted me and wanted to be supportive.

There was a specific conversation that made both of us gravitate to each other more. Growing up, I was always a picky eater, I have gotten better over the years, but I am still pretty picky. Brandon was telling me how he also is a picky eater. We debated back and forth trying to convince each other that " no, I am pickier than you", as if it were a competition. My final statement was, " I am so picky, I don't even like lettuce". Brandon's jaw dropped, his eyes widened and he just shouted, " Neither do I !". We both had yet to find anyone else that despised lettuce as much as we do. Looking back, we both agree that it was in that moment that we knew we were "the one". Ridiculous, right? We are weird and we know it.

Through conversation, it came up that he was actually from Bowmanville, which is just over 2 hours away from where I live. He was working in Niagara Falls during the week, staying at hotels, then going home on weekends. At first I thought to myself, “I knew there was a catch…”. Brandon assured me that he wouldn’t let distance be the reason that we don’t meet and see where things go. We decided that we would meet on July 2nd, since that was when he would be back in the Falls for work. When I say that I was so excited to meet him, that is an understatement. I had this gut feeling that this was it. This is going to be the one that sticks.

July 2nd arrived, I spent way too much time anxiously getting ready to meet him. He finished work, went back to his hotel to shower, and got ready to meet me. He was staying at the Days Inn on Stanley. When I arrived, I saw his beautiful Chevy Silverado, R.I.P, parked near the back side of the parking lot. I pulled in, parked my car, and jumped out. He was wearing a plaid button up, light blue jeans and his cowboy boots. We literally ran to each other and just kissed. I will never forget that moment. I had this overwhelming feeling of completion.

Our first date was such an amazing experience, one that I had never felt before. I never ever felt as comfortable with someone as I did with him.

From that day on, we became inseparable. I don’t think either of us knew that it would have turned into the life-long commitment that it did.

We moved in together pretty quickly, we just knew that we were meant for each other, and it really didn’t feel rushed. It just felt natural. I know some people think that it was too quick, but clearly it worked out. What some people can’t understand is, when it’s right, it’s right. People fixate too much on length of time vs the quality of the relationship, but I digress.

Fast forward to June 20th, 2020.

We had survived the quarantine life of covid. Things were starting to open up again, so Brandon planned a “day date”. He took me to Safari Niagara. At the time, it was a drive-thru experience, which was right up my alley. We spent about an hour and a half there, picked up a souvenir cup, and saw all the animals. It was awesome. On our way home, he ordered rice balls from Johnny Rocco’s to bring home.

After we picked them up, we went back to our apartment. He made me go in first, which was normal. I opened the door, walked in and found our living room decorated with candles, a beautiful balloon garland, and this amazing spread of meats, cheeses, champagne and cupcakes. The tears were instant, I didn’t even realize I was crying already. I turned around and there was Brandon on one knee asking me to marry him.

At the time, I was wearing a promise ring that he had given me. It felt like I couldn’t take it off fast enough. He put the ring on my finger and that was it, we were engaged! That day was one of the happiest days of my life. I know that our wedding day will be another.

We have already gone through so much, good and bad times, we've made huge life commitments and decisions together, and I can't wait to experience more with him.

Through out our relationship, Brandon has helped me through my mental health issues. He is always there to pick me up when I am down, he supports me through everything, and he just genuinely cares about my wellbeing.

I have always known that there isn’t a single person that could love me more than he does. He accepts me for all that I am. He’s seen me at my best and at my worst. He tells me I am beautiful every single day. He shows his appreciation in his own ways and will go to the ends of the earth for me. I am so unbelievably thankful for him.

To my Big Balloon/Bowling Ball,

I love you more than words can ever describe. You are my person, my best friend and my forever confidant. Thank you for always loving me no matter what. Thank you for making me laugh when I need it, and helping through all of the tough times. We are branded for life, don’t ever forget that we are meant to “BE”. I can’t wait to be Mrs. Brandon Purdon.

Love,

Your Billy Goat