In the Fall of 1998, we were living next door to each other. Janet had a garage sale and Tom stopped by and bought a couple items. The following year, on a hot summer night Janet was sitting in her yard by the pool and Tom walked over with a couple beers. We talked for a long time that night and then a few weeks later met at a bar. The rest is history.

For my birthday this year, we went to dinner at a new restaurant we wanted to try. After dinner, the staff brought out dessert and sang Happy Birthday to me. Over dessert and wine, we were discussing purchasing spots in the mausoleum where Tom's parents and other family are. As he reached into his pocket, Tom said he thought we should have the same last name put on the niche and gave me a ring. In the same sentence we got engaged and decided to purchase our place in the cemetery. So, to death do we part and beyond.