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‘In our cozy bed, my disability disappears behind nuzzles and entwined legs. We have a connection strong enough to convince me that there is still a world outside of my discomfort and twisted vision.’

Ari Diaconis knew a bright future lay ahead of him. He was a gifted athlete with a well-paying job at a Wall Street law firm, and a partner, Dunia, with whom he shared a deep connection. But a neurological illness shifted his vision for the path ahead and shined a spotlight on the present — snuggles in bed and time spent in their apartment — a life raft from the city downstairs.

In 2018, Ari died. After we hear his story, we hear from Ari’s younger sister, Alix, about their 3,000-mile bike trip across the country and on learning to protect someone who once protected us.

Today’s story

• “She Was My World, but We Couldn’t Marry,” Ari Diaconis

• This website memorializing Ari Diaconis was made by his sister, Alix Diaconis

Hosted by: Anna Martin
Produced by: Julia Botero, Hans Buetow, Christina Djossa, Elyssa Dudley and Anna Martin
Edited by: Sara Sarasohn
Engineered by: Dan Powell
Theme Music by: Dan Powell
Original Music by: Dan Powell and Elisheba Ittoop
Read by: MacLeod Andrews
Written by: Ari Diaconis
Founder, Modern Love: Daniel Jones
Editor, Modern Love Projects: Miya Lee

Special thanks: Alix Diaconis, Mahima Chablani, Nell Gallogly, Julia Simon, Jeffrey Miranda and Anna Diamond at Audm.

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