Jim and I didn't really "meet." We grew up across the street from one another (#torontoavenueneighborsforever), and our families have been intertwined since 1964 (and possibly before that, as our ancestors are from the same areas in Ireland). These days, you never know! He, six years my senior, didn't pay me any attention and viewed me as "a pesky little kid from across the street." Yes, I am still pesky, but notice how that perception has worked for him today! I was close to his mom and loved to go over to his house and spend time with her. She loved teaching us neighborhood kids Arts & Crafts, and I have learned many other things from her. Oh, if she could see us now and be here to share on our special day!! The Kovic family moved, from Massapequa to Florida, in the Spring of 1978. I was thirteen years old and remember it so clearly, as I was very upset. Pat and Eli kept in touch with my parents. We visited them in the early 80s and kept in touch over the years. I lost contact, as an adult, until August 9, 2009, when I began looking for them on Facebook and received an email from Jim. The friendship blossomed. Three beautiful girls between the two of us and 32 years later, our paths crossed again. Call it fate, if you will. Jim moved back to Long Island in November 2010. He helped me through the most challenging time of my life with loved ones that were ill, and as I started my lifetime dream of becoming a nurse. I could not have accomplished what I did without "my Jimmy." I was attracted to his unending kindness, devotion, compassion, great sense of humor (it is dry), guidance, and that handsome face! Life has never been the same. I often think of my Mom's words (she repeated this very often) when she realized that he and I were a permanent item. "When are you going to marry him?'" Well, Mom, it's finally happening, and I know you're looking down upon us and smiling. We did it and how I wish you were here with me, physically and not just in spirit. My marriage to Dawn is a dream come true. I mean that in the truest sense of the word. Yes, we grew up across the street from each other but little did I know that this little kid would grow up to be the woman of my dreams. Two thousand miles and thirty-two years separated us. That time was filled with wandering and all of my adventures spanning the globe until August 9, 2009 when we began communicating on Facebook. I fell head-over-heels in love with her, which began our journey together, until I proposed marriage at the top of the Empire State Building in New York City on March 8, 2023. A seemingly iconic expression of my love and devotion to her but nonetheless one filled with love and passion. So, now as the sun has risen another day, I greet Dawn again and all of you as you bear witness to the love we share.