tamirunselam

Two Hearts, One Journey

Building a Life, Hand in Hand.

We started our journey almost two decades ago with a humble beginning starting from our first encounter at the university fence in the early 2000s. From that silent beginning, growing freindship, we built a life rooted in simplicity, faith, and deep commitment to each other. Together we’ve navigated long-distance love, career and transition challenges, raising three children, returning home to Ethiopia and building the future - always choosing peace over conflict and more importantly choosing gratitude over regret or anxiety by taking one day at a time.

The Things We Cherish Most:

Living a simple life.
Intentional communication.
Choosing positivity and avoid conflict at any cost.
My wife devotion in conscious parenting, adequate kids time, day to day routine, mindfulness
Resilience, compassion, gratitude and be at the moment.
Don't outsource conflict resolution.

The Timeline

Chapters of Our Life

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2000 to 2008 : The Ethiopian Chapter

Roots of Our Love

From silent glances across the university fence to our sweet weekends in Wondo Genet and our wedding in 2008 — we built our foundation with simple joys and patience.

Our Lesson: Real love often starts quietly and grow with time.

2008 to 2016 : The American Chapter

Love Across Oceans

Long distance, single parenting, and chasing dreams in a new country tested us deeply from 2008 to 2016.

Our Lesson: Distance doesn't break strong hearts - it reveals them.

2016 to 2025 : The Return Chapter

Home and Rebirth

We came back to Ethiopia, restarted together, welcomed two more daughters, and found deeper faith and gratitude.

Our Lesson: Sometimes going back is the best way to move forward.

2025 to date : The Pride Chapter

Present and Legacy

Since returning to Ethiopia, we are filled with gratitude and wisdom. Having learned in America that constant chasing can delay joy and lead to burnout, we now choose a different path. Together, in Pride AI, we envision a family mission rooted in love, faith, and God’s will. We focus on staying present, celebrating small moments, nurturing each other, and building sustainability and a legacy of compassion and positive energy.

Our Lesson: Real success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by how fully we live and love in the present.

The 2009 Foundation: A Testament to Sacrifice & Integrity

A Love Letter from 17 Years ago

"Greatness is not found in the shortcuts we take, but in the promises we keep when the distance is great and the path is long."

The Husband's Promise (Iowa)

Choosing Us Over Comfort

"I will never decide on any major issue without discussing all its impact and agreed with you... I won't choose ways that may extend our lonely time."

The Wife's Strength (Ethiopia)

Trusting the Rationale

"I believe in ur decisions u make and the rationale u give... u have done and completed part of the journey."

CLICK To VIEW ONE OF THE LOVE LETTERS FROM 17 YEARS AGO →

— Reflecting on 18 Years of Integrity

"My heart is always there with you and my boy." This exchange remains the proof of our "Commitment over Shortcuts" philosophy."

The Soundtrack

Our Anthem: Still Holding On

A musical reflection of 18 years of faith, distance, and the promises we kept.

🎵

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
A quiet glance across a university fence
Two young hearts, no money, just pure intent
From Wondo Genet weekends under the sun
To long-distance love when the oceans had won

[Chorus]
We’re still holding on, not because we’ve arrived
But through every storm, our promise survived
This is long-form love, the harder road we chose
Through tears and distance, our commitment only grows
Still holding on… still holding on

[Verse 2]
From Iowa snow to Addis Ababa rain
You carried our son while I fought through the pain
2009 letters kept my hope alive
Your strength and your grace helped this family survive

[Bridge]
Now we build Pride AI with open hands
Raising three children on faith and solid plans
No perfect story, but a real one we stand
Hand in hand, heart to heart, by God’s grace we still stand

[Final Chorus - Outro]
We’re still holding on… through it all
Not at the summit, but answering the call
One day at a time, no regret, no fear
The foundation is strong…
We’re still here… still holding on.

"This anthem reminds us that the foundation is strong, even as the journey continues."

Digital Footprints

The Family Archive

A collection of our written thoughts, captured moments, and shared joys preserved forever.

Shared Moments (Socials)

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The Photo Album

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Love is Awesome

Conscious Parenting

Nothing is exciting like Reconnecting

Yes Reconnecting is like a rebirth

Early Days in Rockville

At the Zoo

Whitehouse

Christmas

Snow

Fun w/Snow

At Boarders before demolition

Ohio

New York

At Cheese Cake Factory before demolition

Brainstorming and Fun

On the road with Family

Business Routine

Family

Family Holiday Vibe

Family checking on Meskel after Renovation

Boy

New Year Vibe

National Museum

A Note of Gratitude

"18 years is a milestone we did not reach alone. First and foremost, we thank God for the grace, patience, and love that has sustained our family through every season. We are profoundly grateful for our three beautiful children who teach us how to love deeper every day. And to our extended family and friends—thank you for being part of our story."

With All Our Love,
Tamiru & Selam (Dr.)