We like to say we actually met twice in our lives. The first time was in 1970 as third graders at Pine Street Elementary School in Perrysburg, OH. In 1978, Anne’s family moved away for three years, so we did not graduate from high school together. However, Anne was always included in the PHS reunions and loved returning to catch up with amazing friends & classmates. Fast forward 40 years to our second meeting …yup 4 decades…we both planned to attend the PHS reunion where our re-connection began (Sept 2021). We spent time catching up at a reunion event, then within a few weeks we began talking a few times per week, then more frequently. From that point on we worked to make our long-distance relationship grow and strengthen. We both traveled back and forth as often as our work schedules allowed taking full advantage of Anne’s many week-long breaks from school. In February 2025, we traveled to Arizona to visit Anne’s daughter Gretchen and then venture out around that beautiful state. In Sedona, at sunset with the awesome (and romantic) red rock formations in the background, Dean asked me to marry him. Anne (of course) said YES! We are so very thrilled to be committed to a future together in both OHIO and GEORGIA, and to also continue our interests together without the burden of school or work schedules because...we are both retiring in 2026! We are excited for the gift of time together: time to travel, time to relax, time for home improvement projects, time for family & friends, and time with one another. So often as we share our story of reconnecting and falling in love years (and years) later, we hear about other family members or friends to whom the same has happened. It may have taken a while, but the wait for a soulmate was completely worth it! We are so very grateful that you are part of our special day, our pasts, and our future together. Thank you for encouraging us to enjoy the time we have had together and be less focused on the distance between us. Our excitement for this day is only surpassed by being thrilled that you are here with us.