Laurie's Story In 2021, Mark and I went through the loss of our spouses: one to divorce, and the other to brain cancer. We entered a period of grieving, and for Mark, memorializing Cindy. Over time, through the grace and goodness of God, acceptance settled in. We each knew we were going to have to take some steps into a different future than we had wanted or expected. But it was time. I opened my art studio in Cheyenne's historic Hynds building and began painting and enjoying the music that wafted up from the Depot plaza. My heart began to feel lighter. Mark resumed his busy conference travel and became interim chair of his department. He and his dog Bingly were good companions at home and he enjoyed his girls and grandchildren. Eventually, I knew that I had to do more, no matter how tough. "Should I consider dating?" I discussed it with my boys, wondering how to meet a good man. "Could I ever find love again?" It seemed so impossible. Mark was actively considering it, too. Then the Lord stepped in, and we both made the very unlikely choice of dipping our toes into the pond of online dating. Mark even found a dating coach! (Thank you, Gina Slejko!) Yikes, it was a potentially rocky road! I was ready to cut and run from the dating site pretty quickly, but decided to take one last look and saw Mark. He sat, very tiny on the screen, in a blue blazer, with water behind him and a fire in front. Mark looked like the Southern boys I grew up with, on the coast of Mississippi. I prayed he was one of the good guys and held my breath, as I pressed the heart. Mark got a ping. Our first date was long distance.... he in a Chicago taxi, stuck in rush hour traffic, and I in my studio, checking my phone between dabbing paint! To my delight, he was witty and engaging! What great fun it's been...from our second date at the Cheyenne Botanical gardens and dinner at Napoli's....to the fateful Sunday afternoon at the Paramount café, when he visited my studio for our first kiss. That day, I found myself cast as the lead in my very own a Hallmark movie! Every week, a new scene unfolded, sweeter than the last! We walked in the Homecoming parade, shaking hands with all his friends along the route. He became my official boyfriend and I was his girlfriend. Soon we were going steady (complete with ID bracelets) and eventually, enjoying old fashioned courting! We've hiked at Vedauwoo, trudged through the snow to cut down a Christmas tree, sung carols and served soup to international students, danced 'till breathless at the Bunkhouse, huddled under blankets at University of Wyoming football games and introduced our children and extended families to each other. I've traveled to Atlanta and been embraced by his siblings and old friends. Such delight! He even sang to my mom in Hutchinson Kansas, "Hello Mary Lou, Goodbye heart," professing his love in such a sweet way, that he had her blessing with a laugh and a smile! Finally, there was the Harmony & Hip Hop lecture, where I was the only one surprised that a perfect Hallmark movie proposal was underway! I never imagined playing the female lead beside such a capable partner. A joyful peace has settled into my heart. Mark is respectful, encouraging and kind. For my boys and me, he is like a tall cold glass of sweet lemonade after a long hike in the desert! Perfectly refreshing! His enthusiasm and boundless optimism have swept me up and I am enjoying the ride! I have discovered that there is joy in the morning!

Hello Laurie Lou, goodbye heart Sweet Laurie Lou, I'm so in love with you I knew Laurie Lou, we'd never part So hello Laurie Lou, goodbye heart We met online one summer day Her sweet "like" it made me sway And made me hit reply to find out more Read her texts while in Chi-Town Felt my heart lift off the ground And optimism glided through the door. I said, hello Laurie Lou, goodbye heart Sweet Laurie Lou, I'm so in love with you I knew Laurie Lou, we'd never part So hello Laurie Lou, goodbye heart. Cheyenne's so close, I had no choice I saw her style, I heard her voice My work couldn't make me stay away Her eyes of green, her 5-2 height The boys tell me she's always right If her Corgis could talk, you'd hear them say Hey, hey, hello Mama Lou, goodbye heart Sweet Mama Lou, we're so in love with you We knew Mama Lou, we'll never part So hello Mama Lou, goodbye heart So hello Mama Lou, goodbye heart Whatchya think Mary Lou of our start? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=735wBECWuKs.

When I’m with you, I feel a glow Like the sun’s touch on a Fall day, Warmth comes to me from just one ray. Wasn’t this way not long ago. Hard times throw some under the bus. But God bossed up You held on tight. Same thing for me We’ve felt His might. They can’t take that away from us. Here in this hall, we’re among friends. I declare love in hip-hop rhyme. A bit afraid, but know it’s time. You buckled up? My knee now bends. Here’s my question seasoned by life: Will you marry and be my wife? (She said, Yes!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBiibVYQ0hQ What a friend Laurie has turned out to be. I agree with Laurie's sons - Dillon, Caleb and Carl - Laurie is a fantastic person. I am very grateful to have met her and now see in retrospect, how God maneuvered us to meet. It was done through online dating – a route I had not really considered, until an evening dinner at the Gilliland's home, when I saw the rewards of online dating, sitting around the dinner table with me and Gina volunteered to be my coach. Knowing Laurie has me singing and sharing poetry I have composed in public! This is a major – but welcome – change for me. A born again romantic, I regard myself as being “blessed beyond measure” in my engagement. I am very grateful to be in relationship with such a poised and attractive person. Laurie’s boys and her daughter, Kelly love her – and for very good reason. Laurie gives priority to them, as well as to her spiritual life. I look forward to seeing her develop as a visual artist in the future, as our relationship continues to bloom in the years to come! I am so hopeful you can come to witness our marriage! It will be a joyful celebration!