Short version: We met online. I suppose you could call us an online dating success story...but not at first. I came across Doug's profile and was immediately attracted to the fact that he seemed to be family-focused. He also listed some incredibly admirable goals, like opening up a house for adults with autism who were never properly diagnosed as children. As a teacher, that one got me. And while it all sounded too good to be true, I took a risk and reached out on Saturday, June 29, 2019. I remember the date well because days passed with no response. In fact, it wasn't until July 9th - ten days later - when I finally heard from Doug. He shared that he was out of town celebrating his birthday and the Fourth of July with family. We got to chatting further and eventually I suggested meeting for dinner and drinks. We set something up for Friday, July 12th. Well...Friday, July 12th came; and Friday, July 12th went. I called. I texted. Nothing! Zero response. I had been stood up. Ghosted. It was, in fact, too good to be true. Then, at around 8:00pm, my phone blings. It's a text from Doug with an excuse about how he got stuck at work and couldn't answer his phone and blah, blah, blah. I didn't respond. Cut to July 18, 2019. After a particularly harrowing day working with my high school kids, I came home and immediately jumped in bed to nap it off. At 5:00pm, I was awakened by another one of my phone's blings. It was Doug. I couldn't believe it. "You wouldn't happen to be free tonight, would you?" Free tonight?! At 5pm, it was already "tonight." I wanted to say no just out of principle, but instead, I swallowed my pride [and bitterness] and said "What the hell!?" Within the hour, I was sitting across from Doug at what has become one of our favorite local spots...Open Road. That first date lasted 4 hours without a single lull in conversation. Sparks flew us right into a second date that lasted 7 hours. The rest is history. Thank goodness I awoke from that nap! -Erich-

After three months of planning - and with the help of great friends - the agenda was set! Our morning started with breakfast and mimosas with my parents who were in from Arizona. Afterward, we all headed to D.C. The first stop? The Spy Museum! Following the museum, we ventured into D.C.'s Navy Yard to District Winery, where we enjoyed cocktails and lunch in our private winter igloo. The only problem was that our igloo was in direct sunlight and got a little too toasty! Anyone who knows me knows that I do NOT do well in the heat. After sweating for about 30 minutes, I finally removed my peacoat, but was careful not to let it out of my sight. After all, the ring was in there and Erich is suspicious by nature. But, on to the next adventure! To keep up appearances of "showing my parents beautiful D.C.," we migrated into D.C. proper, taking in the sites of the White House and National Mall, eventually ending at the U.S. Capitol. After taking a moment to reflect on the somber sites of the fenced perimeter around the Capitol, we quickly maneuvered to more positive thoughts! My parents headed to "their friends house," leaving me and Erich free to venture on a private tour of D.C. which I set-up. After visiting many of D.C.'s famous sites [can you believe Erich had never been to the FDR Memorial?!], the tour concluded at the Lincoln Memorial. Suggesting the night was coming to an end, I guided Erich toward the WW2 Memorial. After luring Erich into the heart of the WW2 Memorial, I asked him for a solo picture of just him near Virginia's pillar [the state that brought us together]. As Erich walked toward the pillar, I got down to my knee. Erich turned. It was all happy tears from there. In fact, he cried out his contacts. Lol! Following some pictures from a sneaky photographer I hired, we headed home - where our close family and friends were waiting, both in-person and virtually. We enjoyed an evening of speeches, drinks, and great company! All a surprise to Erich! -Doug-