“We are getting hitched!!!”

Jimi and Patty first met in 1994 when introduced by a mutual friend. At the time, they were both in committed relationships with other people. That allowed Jimi and Patty to be themselves with no pressure or stress and really get to know each other authentically. There was an immediate level of comfort felt by both and their connection was undeniable. Patty made a big impression on Jimi from the start. A beautiful young woman with dreams and aspirations. Jimi was drawn to Patty’s beautiful smile and dimples, and her long curly hair. But it was her caring, selfless nature and the positive energy that surrounded her that really stood out. She possessed all the characteristics of a woman that Jimi would pray and ask God to send him for many years to come. Although they became good friends, life events and circumstances would bring distance and eventually cause them to lose contact with each other. The image of Patty with the beautiful smile would remain etched in Jimi's memory and would revisit periodically over the years. Jimi and Patty would not see each other again for 13 years. In 2007, Jimi reluctantly goes with his friend Graci to pick up his paycheck at his work. Little did Jimi know Patty worked with Graci at the same grocery store. When Jimi walked into the store that day, he was surprised to see a familiar beautiful smile with those irresistible dimples. Fate had brought them back together. Patty, equally surprised and delighted, greeted him warmly. There was a noticeable spark in their interaction. When it was time to leave Patty asked Jimi to call her, a simple request. But once again, life, as it often does, intervened. They would not cross paths again for 17 years. In July 2024, while scrolling through Facebook, Jimi saw a familiar face coming across his screen. It was her, the one with a beautiful smile and irresistible dimples. He sent her a message. She replied. They chatted for hours that night, catching up on two decades of missed moments, laughter, and shared stories. As they continued to talk, they discovered they shared the same core values. They both value God, Family, Friends, Dogs, Cats and “The Dodgers!” Their friendship developed into a love blessed by God. Since July 2024 they have been inseparable and living life to the fullest taking advantage of every day making great memories together. On Valentine’s Day 2025, in front of Patty’s cousin Jessica and Peter, Jimi nervously bent down on one knee and proposed to Patty. An important moment that Jimi considers a blessing to experience and holds sacred is when Patty’s children Alex, Andrea & Ramon welcomed Jimi into their family with open arms. It’s clear from when they met in 1994 to July 2024 God continued to orchestrate their lives, molding them into the individuals best suited for one another. Although, they were too young when they first met in 1994. God used their life challenges and the difficult times both had to endure in those 30 years and he used it for good. On May 18, 2025, Jimi & Patty both publicly declared their faith in God by getting baptized. It has taken 30 years, but Jimi & Patty finally get their Happily Ever After "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" Ecclesiastes 4:12