Our Story

JORDAN'S VERSION:

Before beginning dedicated radiology training in Boston, I had to complete a mandatory year in internal medicine in Florida. It was the first day of my first year as an official doctor. I first noticed Judy during orientation, but as many people who know me can attest, I’m pretty shy and did not go out of my way to start a conversation. Near the end of the academic year, Judy and I happened to be placed on the same wards team. We spent about 72 hours a week together for an entire month, and naturally, we got to know each other. I, of course, made it my mission to unplug her mouse and turn off her computer screen just to annoy her. After the month ended, we continued talking — and our relationship began to grow from there.

When it was time for me to move to Boston, Judy offered to help me move and we made a spontaneous road trip out of it. On the way, we made a stop in South Dakota, where she met my parents, sisters, nieces, and nephews. It was a little early in the relationship, but after meeting her, my entire family gave me the same advice: “Don’t mess this up.”

Although we spent the next two years in a long-distance relationship, I flew to Florida whenever I had the chance. Thank you, Delta, for your midnight direct flights from Boston to Tampa. Judy was always willing to stay up late to pick me up from the airport.

Eventually, we planned a trip to Paris, and I knew that would be the place (to propose). I told Judy we were going on an early morning boat ride to the French countryside, but before we boarded, I suggested we stop by the Eiffel Tower to watch the sunrise. I’m not great at keeping secrets, but I managed to book a photographer to meet us there and capture the proposal. Let’s just say, I was incredibly nervous — but everything went according to plan. Oh, and she likes to remind me she is still waiting for the boat ride to the Parisian countryside…. And now, here we are!

JUDY'S VERSION:

It's hard to believe we spent nearly a year as trainees in Florida without speaking, until fate placed us on the same inpatient internal medicine rotation. Working together six days a week (from 6am to 6pm) for a month, we bonded. We had a friendly rivalry over who was the better intern, so when he started unplugging my mouse and turning off my computer screen, I thought he was just trying to throw off my game. Turns out, that was his version of flirting - and I was too busy competing to notice.

Less than a month into dating, Jordan introduced me to his wonderful family - a moment that felt intimidating at the time but quickly became special. The way he treated his family, and seeing the kind of environment he grew up in, made me fall for him even more. It helped me understand him better and made me feel closer to him.

For two years, we navigated long distance as I continued my medical training in Florida while Jordan began radiology residency training in Boston. Jordan flew from Boston to Florida whenever he could, sent me "just because" flowers, and stayed on FaceTime with me until I fell asleep each night.

In Paris, Jordan proposed in front of the Eiffel Tower (so romantic!). I remember feeling a mixture of shock, anxiety, and excitement. And yes, Jordan, you still owe me a boat ride to the Parisian countryside.

I intentionally applied for hospital medicine jobs in Boston to close the gap between us and, after years apart, we now live together (with our dog Yuna). Although it's uncertain where we will settle down - as long as I'm with Jordan, I'm home. I truly cannot imagine life without him and am excited to see what our future holds.