John and Elizabeth met years ago contra dancing at the South Bay Grange. Their paths crossed casually over the years. Their sons, Ian and JT both played soccer for North Thurston High School. John had an office downtown Olympia. They saw each other and chatted at different local events. But were amiable acquaintances only. In January 2025 all that changed when they danced once again. John looked into her eyes and Elizabeth wanted to be looked at that way forever. He left midway through the evening of the dance without saying goodbye. To say Elizabeth was disappointed was an understatement. The next day, John emailed apologizing for his early departure. He explained that he needed to check in on his elderly mother for whom he was caring. He expressed his interest in going out. Elizabeth was elated. The rest is history.

Elizabeth and I have known each other for many years through contra dancing and the business community. We reconnected this past January 11 at a contra dance and she gave me a most memorable greeting hug. I, along with family members, had been focused on caring for my 94 y.o. Mom for a couple of years by then. My Mom passed, peacefully and blessedly, on January 12 and I let Elizabeth know and she got to attend my Mom’s memorial. We began dating and everything felt right. I started attending some LDS Church services with her and found them very meaningful. In March I bought plane tickets for us to travel together to Salt Lake City for Easter weekend to meet her parents and family. I then prepared to propose marriage to her prior, so that we could share the news about our engagement during that visit. We went to Seattle on Friday April 11, for a rare noon Seattle symphony performance. We enjoyed walking around Pike Place market and then took the monorail to Seattle Center. I asked her to marry me at sunset on the observation deck of the Space Needle which has many special memories for me. After she said “Yes” and I put the ring on her finger we heard a knocking on the window. A nice couple from South Carolina, Mark and Melissa, had observed us and taken pictures of the exact moment and were delighted to share those photos with us, such a special coincidence!