In 2004, it may have seemed hard for Nate Berkus to imagine happiness making its way back into his life. That year, the interior designer had lost his beloved partner, photographer Fernando Bengoechea, when the two found themselves literally swept away by the devastating tsunami that struck Sri Lanka, where they were vacationing. More than 30,000 people in Sri Lanka died in the natural disaster; though Nate survived, the pain of losing Fernando was all-consuming.

I have the grief to contend with, Nate told Oprah shortly after the tragedy. But I do believe that I survived so that I would have a greater understanding both of what Ive had, what Ive lost and what I still have to gain.

Slowly, Nate did begin to heal, and even found ways to honor Fernandos memory through the years. And perhaps no one is a bigger supporter of honoring Fernandos memory than Nates own husband, Jeremiah Brent.