A View From TOPS - Cebu, Philippines 1992

Long before The Distance We Crossed became a book, it was a series of moments like this one.

This photograph was taken in 1992 at TOPS—one of the highest overlooks above Cebu City. From that vantage point, you can see everything: the city lights stretching outward, the coastline curving into the distance, and Mactan Island resting quietly across the water. It’s a breathtaking view.

But for me, the most important thing in that moment wasn’t the view.

It was Amie.

We were newly engaged then. I had found the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on—the woman who would become my wife, my partner, and my life. Sitting there together, looking out over Cebu, the world felt wide open in front of us. Full of promise. Full of possibility.

That year was anything but simple. There were jarring experiences in Manila, the joy and emotion of our wedding day, and the heavy, difficult reality that I would have to leave her behind temporarily while I returned to the United States to prepare for our life together.

It wasn’t easy.

But even then, I knew my heart. I knew what I was doing was right—no matter what anyone else thought.

And here we are, 33 years later.

Still together. Still strong. Still committed.

Amie has been a testament to unwavering love, support, and devotion through every season of our lives. This photo isn’t just a memory—it’s the beginning of everything we would build together.

You’ll read much more about our journey when The Distance We Crossed is released.

But this moment—this view, this time, this love—was where it all truly began.

— Tex Whitford