Love is not just a soft emotion, its a growth-evoking force. Love is challenging, courageous, and an euphoric experience that takes over all of us.

What is there to be said about love that hasn’t already been said in some of the most artful and elegant ways, by some of our brightest and most poetic? How do you describe a feeling that is ever-changing, ever-growing? How do you really know how strong your resolve is without being in a position for that theory to be challenged?

You hear people say things like “love is an action word”, and while true, I still don’t know if we truly grasp the meaning of the phrase. Action words, words like love and growth, require challenge to prove their truth. It’s easy to proclaim love when times are smooth, just like it is easy to claim one’s own growth, but when the path becomes challenging, how close to the mark do we find ourselves? One thing I’ve learned over these past 5 years is the intentional nature of love in our choices, the allocation of our time, and how we show up for those we cherish. Life, much like love, calls for us to surrender to the journey, no matter how daunting it may seem. This time, this experience, this love has taught me something valuable about myself, but more importantly, about other people.

If I’m honest, I’ve been writing this post for months, struggling to make words appear that even remotely reflect the emotions I truly feel. 5 years, locked in with a person, day in and day out, is an accomplishment to celebrate. We have found a way, through ups and downs, to choose each other when it gets tough. And some would argue that’s the whole point of love, true love anyway.

Unfortunately for us, the celebration of 5 years is a bit overshadowed by our journey this past year, and we actually celebrated the year itself. For everyone following along, Mintyce has been on a journey since October 2025 of dealing with the changes and effects that a Lupus diagnosis has had on her body, her energy, and her time. But the initial symptoms that triggered this discovery were followed by a 4-day all-inclusive stay at the hospital that convinced us both that her remaining time was limited. We were fortunate to receive the news that Lupus was the diagnosis, but even that news left us with a bigger journey ahead than we anticipated.

For those who might not know what Lupus is, here’s a quick rundown. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where a hyperactive immune system attacks the body’s cells, tissues, and organs, which causes inflammation, exhaustion, and other physical damage. It is known to mostly attack women, but women of color specifically, and especially Black women. This disease has at times demanded Mintyce’s full attention, as there have been weeks where leaving bed has been a struggle because of joint inflammation, or the UV from the sun causes a skin flare-up, or it drains her of the energy to do anything for long periods of time. And as her partner, the sporadic fluctuations in her ability to be present have, of course, demanded my full attention as well. Needless to say, the past year has been emotionally and physically taxing for both of us.

The irony of her diagnosis falling in alignment with our anniversary serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictable journey. It tells us that while we may sketch our plans, the path is often paved not with gold, but with the lessons learned in the highs and lows. It’s in these contrasts that we find our strength and resilience, enabling us to push forward. This past year has tested us, yet here we stand, empowered by the trials we've faced. Each challenge has not only shaped us but also prepared us for the new ones that await ahead. I know now that not only can we have a great time enjoying our wins; the downtimes are also just as enjoyable when a partnership is in tandem, however tough.

In our pursuit of freedom, we’ve discovered the thrill of wanderlust—an unyielding drive to chase our dreams, even as they evolve. Let us be reminded that every shift is an opportunity for growth, every twist in our story a chance to redefine our path. Together, hand in hand, we can continue to transform obstacles into stepping stones and embrace the journey ahead with courage, hope, and an unwavering belief in the beauty of what lies beyond.

And being that we are celebrating 5 years, here is a quick photo recap of some of mt favorite moments of the past 5, some of which you may have already seen and others you might not have.