On Memorial Day Weekend 2015, although I didn't know it at the time, I was thankful I had no plans and was spending the long weekend at home. While walking back from a convenience store with my friend Ryan, next to the townhouse where we were living, I saw Abby sitting in the parking lot talking on the phone. I recognized her from the gym, but did not realize we were neighbors! I felt I had to introduce myself, and said hello. Abby was very kind and said she was locked out of her place, so I invited her up to our place to hang out. To my shock, she agreed and we had a fun time listening to music, having drinks, and getting to know one another. I told her she should take my phone number in case she ever gets locked out again and she gave me hers! A short time after that, we went on our first date to a Mexican restaurant in town and I have been in love ever since.

Abby has tremendous Christmas spirit, and after having to work for a few Christmases in a row, we both were able to have some time off this past Christmas. We made plans to first travel to New Jersey to visit the Apicella family, and then on Christmas Day travel to visit the Newman family in Pennsylvania. I had made plans with the Newman's to propose on Christmas Day surrounded by friends and family at Abby's childhood home. Unfortunately, the week leading up to Christmas I contracted COVID, and we had to cancel our long anticipated Christmas plans. I knew Abby was very upset, however she took great care of me! We exchanged gifts, face timed with family, and did our very best to cheer each other up. Although not as I had hoped surrounded by Family on Christmas, I did not want to wait any longer and decided to propose on New Years Eve. Abby decided she did not want to go out and we were just having a relaxing night watching tv, listening to music, and having a few cocktails. After getting the nerves out, I turned on the Frank Sinatra song "All the way" a song Abby and I love to sing and dance to while we are making Sunday dinner, and I proposed! Abby said YES, then immediately wanted to go out and celebrate with friends!