Lisa and John have their dear friend Lou Savarese to thank for setting up the opportunity to meet at Lou’s induction into the NY State Boxing Hall of Fame in September of 2021. As Lisa and her father Richard arrived, John was the first one who greeted them. Lisa noticed John was wearing a necklace with the Alcoholics Anonymous symbol. Lisa inwardly thought 'this guy is really serious about his recovery.' They spoke for a bit and he handed her his unique business card. She learned he was formerly the Chairman of NCADD, ( The National Council of Alcohol and Drug Dependency) in America. She had just started a not for profit called Shea Tree Center and wanted to speak with him about his experience running a not for profit… so she called him later that week. They set up a few meetings to discuss things online and then in person. It became clear they had a common passion to be helpful to those struggling with and affected by addiction on all levels. Lisa realized her son, Ian, was struggling with addiction and knew he needed help immediately. She decided to reach out to John for support, since he understood the all-too-familiar battle with substance abuse. But just as Lisa made up her mind about sending Ian off to rehab, a peculiar twist of fate seemed determined that their journey would not be easy - their car unexpectedly broke down! In an ironic turn of events though, it was then that John called to check in on Ian's progress only to realize they were located only a few miles from John's home. John knew it was a crucial moment in Ian's recovery to get him to rehab so he insisted on driving them. They ensued on the 300 mile journey to the rehab center, allowing them to bond. They began attending AA together and their friendship flourished. John created an advisory board for Shea Tree – and became more involved. John, Lisa and Tati explored the lush grounds at Campbell Hall and remarked how perfect it would be for Shea Tree retreats. Lisa mentioned Tati's passion for horses - prompting John to show them some of Campbell Hall's majestic equine inhabitants! After a few weeks, Tati and Lisa returned to find a surprise of an amazing meal that John prepared! The subtle hints of his feelings were unmistakable as he suggested to Tati to: " put in a good word for him to Lisa". Although neither acknowledged at this point in time, it was obvious that something special had started between these two friends. Things would remain unspoken until after John left with his family on a 3-week summer trip to Europe accompanied by his good friend Jimmy G.; an experience which caused him to realize just how strong his feelings truly were for Lisa. The TEXTING relationship started off simple and sweet, but by week three it had blossomed into something more intimate. With laughter-filled conversations and plenty of shared photos, these two were quickly becoming romantic. When John returned, Lisa invited him to attend a party that her good friend Stacey was hosting. While there, Stacey shared about an upcoming sound healing retreat that she and Lisa were attending next month. Stacey suggested John join them and advised that he could stay in Lisa's tent! Lisa and John hadn’t even held hands up to that point. However, John promptly accepted even though he was unfamiliar with sound healing and had never in his life camped. The thought of spending a weekend in a tent alone with Lisa was very exciting for him. So that evening he came over to Lisa's house to say goodbye to Tati, Ian and her. As he stood by the door they had their first sweet kiss goodbye… It was a beautiful clear evening and the full moon was shining in her full glory. Lisa decided she wanted to walk him down to the car and he said to her, "You just want another kiss don’t you…? ” and she answered “Yes you're right” with a smile. Several months later John asked Lisa to marry him under the light of the full moon in Tuscany. AND SO IT BEGAN !