In part two of his intimate conversation with Oprah, designer Nate Berkus opens up about the day that changed his life forever. On December 26, 2004, Nate and his partner, photographer Fernando Bengoechea, were vacationing in Sri Lanka when the East Indian tsunami hit. The storm claimed more than 260,000 lives in 11 countries, including Fernando. Now, Nate shares how he healed and moved forward from the unthinkable.

Fernando Bengoechea was a photographer who traveled the world on assignment and the love of designer Nate's life. The two met on a photo shoot for O at Home magazine in 2003. Watch as Nate explains the powerful connection they had that very first day and shares why Fernando showed Nate a bigger, more beautiful life than he could have imagined for himself:


Since surviving the tsunami,  Nate says he's never defined himself by anything other than his ability to survive. In fact, he says he doesn't recognize the person he was before the tsunami hit. Find out why Nate says he trusts himself—and likes himself—more today. Plus, why he wouldn't trade everything he's learned post-tsunami for the world:


After returning home, Nate began picking the spiritual pieces of his life. Find out why he says seeing such suffering in Sri Lankawas a gift. Plus, Nate opens up about the ultimate gift he and Fernando gave one another: