I met Jon well before this date through my Job as the OnStar rep for NY state. Through his Best Man Frank who happened to be one of my top service advisers on the OnStar program. Yet April 14th marks the start of our future together. April 14th was that night that caught my real interest and attention. I knew something about Jon was different then the others who had tried to catch my attention. Not only was he sensitive, he listened to me from the heart as a friend would, and I knew long before I fell in love with him that he was someone special to keep around! Like two magnets drawn together, I felt a connection to this stranger who is now my future husband. When I was close to him I felt a tug that I couldn't explain, a connection deeper then words could describe. And as we talked I found someone who mirrored my own desires, dreams, and passions for the future; someone who wanted a family, but wanted to do things the right way; someone who wanted to take care of others but also stand up for himself; and someone who understood me. We had many laughs that night hanging with his friends! And when it came time to go, I couldn't explain it but I didn't want to leave the new peace I had found forming while being in his company. I went home knowing that all I wanted to do was talk to him, see him, and spend more time with him; and so started my journey... where a GM girl falls for THE JonFORD!

This date will forever be one of my favorite memories. Jon took me by surprise and proposed to me on our one year anniversary. A Special tribute to his loving mother and his late Stepfather; who also got engaged on their anniversary and married the following year the same date. Previous to April 14th 2018, I had been invited to a horse show with 2 barn friends, and I really wanted to go but had decided that it wouldnt be right to make Jon spend our anniversary sitting/standing around while I competed on horseback. Yet when I went cancel the show for myself Jon insisted that he wanted to do that with me. I asked him why since it was our first anniversary? but he just insisted that he liked the shows and wanted to support me riding and watch me compete on my young mare Mia. I couldn't understand it and doubted he would have fun but when he insisted I let it go and signed up with my 2 other friends to go. The day of the show, i was so nervous, since I had spent the last few days practicing and recording my own version of Hunter Hayes "Wanted" for Jon with his cousin Steve. A song that from day one of us both hearing it together has stuck out and meant a lot, so much that its my ringtone for when Jon calls. I wanted so bad to give him a gift from the heart and so I sang that song over and over making it my own, changing a few of the lyrics to fit it to Jon, and recorded it with his cousins Steves help. We were on the way to show driving behind the horse trailer when I asked Jon if I could give him his present. He was really sweet and told me that he left mine at his moms, he hid it there so I wouldn't find it at our apartment:). I told him I didn't mind if he didnt mind not exchanging at the same time and I was super nervous about mine. So he let me pull my phone out and hook it into the car and play it for him. He smiled at me and wiped his eyes when the song was over and told me that he loved it and that it meant a lot to him. To be continued.

Little did I know what was coming next....... After the show we came home, having placed 4th in my mares first ever show! I was so happy and excited. It was turning into such a great day. We were met at the barn by some friends who also happened to be family to one of the other riders, and their mother had her camera out. She takes amazing photos by the way. SO when they asked if they could get some photos of Mia and her ribbon I wasn't to worried about it, yet Jon kept saying why don't we go get some photos so we can go home. So I grabbed both of our horses Teddy and Mia and let them loose in the indoor. Now going on behind me Jon was panicking trying to figure out how to get me to pay attention long enough for him to propose, and the girls (who all knew before I did and helped him plan it lol) were telling him to get control of the situation lol. When I finally got my attention off free lunging Teddy and Mia and we went to get the photos. Jon started off by saying that he kinda lied about my presents being at his moms. Part of it was at her house but the other part was... and thats when he knelt down on one knee..... to be continued

I panicked and ran backward while starting to cry; I ran into Mia who was indignant and hide behind her... here was my person down in the dirt of the indoor of Golden View Farm, on a day where I was covered in Dirt, I had helmet hair, I smelled ripe of horses and sweat; yet he choose to show me he loves me more then all of that, he choose to ask me the most important question when I was physically gross, because through all the dirt and the grime he still thinks I'm beautiful; special and weird yes but also beautiful. He calmly told me to "come here" smiling with tears in his eyes, still kneeling in the dirt. I came back over nervous and in awe at the sight of him. Most know I have been married before and that scarred me pretty good, yet here was MY person beaming with love at my broken pieces prepared and ready to ask me a question... I don't remember walking over but I do remember collapsing to my knees crying, bending over sobbing into his lap and hearing him tell me to stop because hes gonna cry, all in a joking voice filled with laughter and love. Then looking up into his blue eyes and hearing him say. Will you Marry Me? I said yes and immediately hugged him in the dirt crying onto his jacket, as he just held me close and told me he loved me. All while the girls in the background were getting video and pictures of the planned event!!! Everything made sense after catching my breath and wiping my joyful tears. Why Jon picked to do the show because he wanted to propose to me in one of my favorite places, the barn. This man who stole my heart and helped deal with the backlash from my past, showed me once again that he thought about me and cared about me more then I have ever had another person care for me outside of my immediate family. And there were still more surprises to come. To be continued! I know this is the last one lol

After he proposed we went back home, because Jon had already told me he had gotten us Dinner reservations. I was so excited and so nervous, my first ever dinner reserved date:) We got home and I got cleaned up rather quickly, Jon took his time, and I was getting impatient. I wanted to tell more people we were engaged I had already called my parents, and talked with his mom! I wanted to stop in and see Frank and show him the ring, but Jon kept telling me don't worry we have time, why don't you relax for a bit and soon it will be time to head to dinner. Over and over he just seemed so laid back (which is abnormal for anyone who knows Jon, he is always prompt and gets to things early no wasting time for him) I just couldn't understand why he was taking his sweet time! But I was so excited I tried my best to be patient. Suddenly I got a call, I looked at Jon and said someones calling me, he told me to answer (with a grin on his face). "this is Juan here to pick you up, Im at the red door". I confused said "What?" then Juan repeated himself.... I literally looked at Jon and told him some guy was at a red door to pick me up with a freaked out expression, he just laughed and told me to look outside.... THERE WAS A LIMO!!!!! I was so excited I yelled at the phone OMG theres a limo I'll be right down. Jon laughed at me followed me down I was greated by Juan who had escorted me to the limo while Jon ran to grab my wallet with my ID from my vehicle. As we got up to the door it opened to friends and family who were able to get together so quickly on a short notice!!! I was so taken back I almost fell backwards but managed not to fall in the rain, and proceeded to enter the Limo exchanged excited greetings with those who were there. It is one of the best after surprises of my life so far. That day I was spoiled, treated like a queen, and shown that I was worth more then I had ever thought before. Jon Ford took my breath away then, and to this day he still does!