So it all began with a couple of mutual friends and a first date that almost didn't happen. We had essentially been put in contact with one another and began talking through the phone; real 21st century dating! After messaging for a couple weeks we had found out we both had a love for nature, a desire to help other in the medical/EMS field, and we had a ton of mutual friends that we had no idea how we had yet to cross paths! Mason was living in Ashley's small home town less than 5 minutes from where she grew up. After finding out that the other person wasn't absolutely crazy, and some well wishes from Ashley's best friend Hillary (whose family was already familiar with Mason..haha) they decided to set up a date... or basically a blind date. We decided to meet at a little food/bar place downtown Modesto at 1 PM. Non-threatening, around lots of people, easy to leave if necessary. 11 am comes around, Ashley messages Mason 'Hello and goodmorning!" No reply. 12 pm... "Hey can't wait to see you today! Are we still on?" 12:30... "Hey I will be running a bit late, just wanted to let you know." At this point Ashley is anticipating being stood up. She already has it set in her mind if he doesn't show then 1) Great! She doesn't have to make small talk and be nervous the whole time.. 2) He must not really be into her so she will be stubborn back and not try and meet him again. Ashley decides one last chance.. I'll call him, and if he doesn't answer then he isn't worth my time. So she calls him and he answers! She doesn't know what to say, so she says, "Hey I'll be like half an hour late!" and he responds in the most sleepy/panicked voice; "Perfect! Me too!" Mason had just gotten off work at 7 am, from and over night shift and decided he would take a nap... which ended up being a sleep. But thankfully Mason answered his phone and didn't stand Ashley up! The relationship of a lifetime that almost missed it's chance.