We met on our Basic Officer's Qualification Course in CFB Borden - just as we were starting our own journeys as Canadian Forces Officers. This 10 day course was much closer to home for Nicole than it was for Jamie, but Nicole never understood how far away he lived until much later.

Although this was the start of our friendship, the course ended and we were both heading home (only to go on our respective elemental courses, then summer training). It didn't leave much time for talking but we did enjoy some MSN conversations while we were home.

Life got busy for both of us - work and school...and of course cadets.

It was a surprise to find out that we were both loaded on the Lieutenant's Qualification Course in Connaught (near Ottawa). It was this that allowed us to hang out some more and talk - but we both thought that the other wasn't interested.

Shortly after that, it was summer training again and we both went to our respective training centres - CFB Borden for Jamie, and CFB Trenton for Nicole. We exchanged letters and text messages while we were apart, but it brought us much closer than before. Despite the distance, Jamie took his two day leave and drove up to visit Nicole in Trenton. That's when things finally became "official". We enjoyed a beautiful day trip to Kingston. Later that summer, Nicole took her two day leave and since she didn't have a car, she took a bus into Barrie to meet up with Jamie.

Summer soon came to an end and Nicole moved to a nice little townhouse to get ready for the new academic year. Shortly after, she had the opportunity to go visit Jamie's family in Northern Ontario for Thanksgiving.

This was the wonderful start to our relationship that has only continued to grow with love. The best proof is Siobhan, our beautiful daughter who continues to brighten our lives everyday.