The Spring of 2020 was a trying time for the world and a time of loneliness and isolation for many. It was during this unprecedented time in history, while on our separate journeys to healing that we connected. At first it was a friendship as we bonded over our similar childhoods, love of laughter and our Bapti-Stolic upbringings. Months later, we met at Target for the first time in person. Both shy but happy to finally be in each others presence, we talked and laughed and walked and shopped. Before we knew it, we harmonized in thought, "She's the one!"

It was an ordinary day and since we were both off and the kids were busy, Mel suggested that we go to the mall and ring shop so that "IF" she decided to propose she'd know what I liked. It was fun and we looked at one ring in particular that I really wanted and asked the salesman to write it down. We then went to the arcade and played games, had dinner near there and went home. Mel gave me a crossword puzzle with questions about her that I immediately knew I'd ace but the last question floored me. It simply said, "Renee, will you marry me?" I thought she was playing until I saw her face and the dream ring I'd wanted earlier in her hands. I said "YES," and we were engaged. We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you in Virginia!