The year was 1991. It was the first day of kindergarten and the very beginning of a beautiful love story. Carly and Shelby became friends that day. They remained great friends all during grade school and for a stretch Shelby would come over every Tuesday while Carly’s mom babysat her and her sister. They frolicked through the fields and wrote stories (they still have them). They were part of the same Girl Scout troop led by both of their moms. During middle school they played on the school basketball team. In high school they played separate sports. Shelby played basketball, softball and volleyball. While Carly ran track and jumped field. Their paths crossed occasionally on campus and always with a smile and a hello. Graduation day June 2005 was the last time they saw each other...until one fated day twelve and a half years later. They had both often thought about one another for inexplicable reasons. Several internet stalking searches were made by both parties. Contact with other family members had been made over the years but never with each other. It wasn’t until late August 2017, when Carly was dining at the local Mexican restaurant with her parents that Shelby walked in and the perfect opportunity was presented. That night Carly went home and texted Shelby and they set a date to hang out and catch up. Five days in a row of hanging out under the pretenses of “catching up” soon left them both wondering if the other was feeling more. They texted non stop and hung out at every opportunity. Finally, with advice from family and friends they realized, yes, they were on the same page, where they would remain every step of the way. Once they realized their mutual, “where have you been all my life but thank god for this really excellent timing” feelings, they fell madly in love and became inseparable. Five months later they moved to Santa Rosa together, two months later they got a puppy, and seven months later Carly asked Shelby to marry her! She said yes!