Christy & I are a testament to online dating. Our love story began with an online profile, an initial phone call, a one on one "interview" with a few twists for another time and YES, I was 15 minutes late :) We decided we would have a second meeting even overcoming Christy's "why didn't your first marriage work??" Query. We both left the first “date” wondering if we should have a second but mutually decided we deserved one more chance to confirm or redefine our first impressions. It took a year of dates, trips and get togethers to have our "I love you" moment. It was actually a few days before Christmas and we were both ready to take the next step. Christy had somehow anticipated the moment and had put together an amazing evening. Suffice it to say the last 8+ years being together with four years of cohabitation including the Covid quarantine allowed us to truly connect, know and trust one another. I must add, having the opportunity to meet so many amazing people via Christy that have become great friends is an additional benefit to having Christy in my life. My favorite moment was BIG Daddy casually asking me if I was going to marry the girl or not!! I appreciated his care for her. I did reply that “I’ve asked her several times and she keeps saying no :-)” We are both very fortunate to have such great friends that were not childhood or college connections. Making so many friends in our 50s is very special and we are blessed.

I would have likely proposed to Christy sooner however, Covid ended up being a sad reality for everyone including us. Despite major disruptions and sadness, we chose to take this time to get even closer and do our best to make our time together meaningful and special. With Covid subsiding, we scheduled the Classic trip to Maui, Hawaii complete with beach side suite, pool and helicopter tour with a ring in my pocket. The Ring Those who know Christy know getting her the right ring is impossible and despite many rounds of exploration and discovery I finally surrendered to the fact that Christy would have to create her own ring to get what she truly wanted. Back to the engagement As a long-standing event professional or as some friends know me, a party planner, I had a very intricate and rehearsed proposal prepared. I booked a helicopter that we shared with one other couple from Southern California , we landed in an amazing rain forest setting, There happened to be several other helicopters on the ground and were approximately 20 people in close proximity to us. I pulled out a jewelry box with a cocktail ring in it that I bought at a charity auction and of course Christy was aware of this ring. I flipped my cell phone to the helicopter pilot and asked him to record what was about to happen, he had no idea what was going to happen nor did anyone else but me. I struggled to get down on my right knee, Christy turned around to see me offering her the cocktail ring on one knee muttering some words and she could not process what I was saying because she could not fathom me on one knee giving her a cocktail ring I bought at a charity auction :-) I’m sure all the women reading this can relate. Christy took a few steps back with an utter look up confusion and I said “forget about the ring, listen to what I’m saying please, will you marry me!!??” Our pilot and the other couple were starting to feel uncomfortable with what the response might be given Christys reaction. The 20 other tourists were equally awaiting Christy's reply. Christy said yes! OK, I gave it away Christy had a moment to reflect and understand that I was not on one knee because my hip had given out, I was not offering her the cocktail ring as an engagement ring and that yes, she would get a chance to get the ring of her dreams :-) I probably could’ve told this whole story from our first date to the ring in one paragraph but I figured I would get the whole story out once and for all. We are blessed As we live our lives and learn from our experiences, we understand what’s most important, it's not about helicopter rides, Maui vacations and not even about jewelry. The true gift of life is the journey, family and friends and good health. We chose to have a destination wedding with a Vegas reception when we return. For those who can make the long trip we are very grateful and appreciative and are so happy to have you with us. For those not able to come for a variety of reasons, please know you are in our hearts and we are blessed to have you in our lives and can’t wait to celebrate with you upon our return. Final assessment That online dating thing can actually work from time to time especially if you don’t quit after the initial interview :)