We're all in!

In the blustery fall of 2015, Kayla had just finished a summer long internship at Crater Lake National Park. She was back in Eugene working hard on her masters project at the University of Oregon. Patrick had recently purchased his first house and was enjoying the new space. They both had their own ups and downs with relationships, and were looking for something more meaningful. While pubs and parties would make quick matches, they often end up heartbreak or disappointment. They had found an online dating app that asked hundreds of questions, from favorite color to how one feels about foreign policies in the middle east. Kayla and Patrick had searched locally and found some 85% matches, that made for interesting dates but nothing real. While roaming the website one day, after expanding her search radius, Kayla noticed a 96% match. It was her Birthday and so she took a leap of faith and messaged the unsuspecting "Paddywelch". After a month of texts and phone conversations we decided to meet in person. It was October 10th and after a three hour drive with fresh cut flowers and chocolates, Patrick arrived at the Bier Stein Restaurant. It only took a few hours to realize just how beautiful this relationship would be. Our journey has taken us on a path of love and learning, testing our resolve, compassion, character, and emotions. Now on our fourth anniversary surrounded by loved ones we make our promise to each other.

Kayla has always loved Thanksgiving. The warmth and simplicity of appreciating and and enjoying family is one of her greatest delights. Making and eating delicious foods, relaxing by a warm fire with cold drink and watching the parade create quite the holiday. It is a time for stuffing your face, but also 'un-stuffing' yourself of stress and sadness, finding bliss and resetting your mind and appreciating what you have. Most of you know we lost Kayla's father unexpectedly this last July and the heartache for her was beyond measure. Joe was a gracious man and loving father who was always ready to help in any way he could. His presence brought joy and laughter to a room. Like Kayla, he enjoyed family and friends exponentially. We had been lucky enough to have him with us the previous Thanksgiving. I knew that this one would be especially difficult for her because of his passing. I had planned to propose on October 10 during our anniversary date, but with her fathers memory fresh in mind, Kayla succumbed to her emotions during this happy moment. So I planned my move carefully and without telling a soul. This year we had stayed home for Thanksgiving, we smoked the bird and made a delicious feast for two. When the meal was ready and we were sitting, I felt a calm happy feeling take over the room. I took her hand and told her all of the reasons I loved her, why I was so thankful for us and the magic we seemed to share in our hearts. I talked about our lives, how we met, our dreams and our accomplishments. I took to my knee in the good old fashioned way and I told her I wanted to marry her........ and she said yes!