Let’s take it back to 2019. Bridget and Dale were both busy teaching and coaching. Dale was adventuring to the UCONN games and Bridget stumbling around on the Bumble Dating App. They matched and the girls need to make the first move; Dale’s profile discussed running, so Bridget responded with “Favorite marathon, go” Dale had high hopes they were great for each other, but Bridget was skeptical and deleted the app yet again. A few months later, Bridget downloaded the app for the millionth time, and fate took over- they matched again! The first thing out of Dale's mouth this time was, "How is training for the NYC marathon going.” Bridget couldn't believe that someone had even taken interest in her to remember that. It was then followed up by "I'm getting on a plane right now. Please don't delete the app again until you give me a chance to really get to know you." They talked for a few months, went on their first date at Bridgehouse in Milford. They talked for so long that the restaurant closed, and they were forced to leave. If you've never heard the wallet story, feel free to ask! :) Bridget was afraid to get hurt again, really made Dale work for her love and affection. Their second date consisted of a run (yes a run) early in the morning on a cold winter day. Dale suggested this to help her with her anxiety before taking a test for her Special Education degree. Followed up with that night a trip to Roseland Pizza- where Dale SHARED his pizza with her. For those of you that know him, you really know how monumental this is. Followed by our attempts at our now known ice cream trail, the Frozen II movie and a drive through Hubbard Park to see the Christmas lights. Bridget was still-quite frankly- being a jerk and they were still not officially boyfriend and girlfriend. She already had a solo trip booked to Hawaii to visit a friend over Christmas break. Dale volunteered to wake up at 3am and drive her to the airport. While she was away, she realized how much she missed him, how much she loved him in her life and how much she wanted to be with him. When he picked her up from the airport, she knew things were just going to get better. After officially being asked to be his girlfriend on January 11, 2020- the adventure was just getting started. Over the past few years, they've been exactly that to each other-their greatest adventures and biggest cheerleaders, but also there for all of the hard parts of life. They've found so much joy in each other whether it's on vacation, watching UCONN games together, eating pizza, going on their infamous ice cream trail all over the country, supporting each other as a team, or simply going on a run to talk about their days. They've been there for each other throughout Covid, Bridget's accident, untimely passings that have brought about much grief. They truly are teammates for life. Here’s to more adventures around the world enjoying pizza and ice cream together!

On the top of Mt. St. Piron in Banff, Canada, Dale got down on one knee and asked Bridget "Will you be my adventure partner for life". She gladly said "yes". If you read the previous story you'll know that our whole relationship is all about adventures together. Here's to starting the next one!