For many years Bill and I lived in the same town. We jogged the same trail next to the lake, shopped at the same grocery stores, and as single parents raised children the same age; all within minutes from each others homes. Ironically, we never crossed each others paths. One day Bill and I met online. We spoke on the phone for just over a month, then finally took the plunge to go on a date! He took me out on a Friday night, but it was the following day he began tugging at my heart. Early Saturday morning Bill drove 4 hours to Miami for a very intense Spartan race. He made arrangements weeks prior for a family member and I to attend a Luau dinner show that evening. When my family member couldn't make it, Bill packed some 'just in case' attire, and promised to finish the race quickly so I wouldn't go alone, (So sweet)! He knew how excited I was for this experience. Bill came in second place that day, and rushed back to town. I was quite impressed! He wouldn't have made it on time had he stopped at home, so instead Bill showered and dressed at the nearest gym on his drive back. I love this kind of energy he exudes, (still today). He was so kind, handsome, and fun! It was a different kind of smile he put on my face. Bills actions have continued to show me what love is. I am spoiled with his romantic devotions; and I am blessed beyond words for these gifts.

I knew from the beginning, Melia was the one. She made me feel ways I never thought I could. She was everything I dreamed. I could talk to her for days and still it wouldn't be enough. Everything she said was captivating. Her sense of humor and the way she laughed brightened my day. She was a person who cared about everyone in ways that inspired me. Her beauty can't be put into words except for saying that everywhere she was became more beautiful just because she was there. I was in love. I had plenty of time to plan her proposal since it did not take me long to know Melia was the woman I would hope to spend the rest of my life with. There was a perfect story that came to mind for the proposal. The story of the four candles. This was an inspirational story of how it only took hope to return peace, love, and faith back into your life. I felt like Melia had renewed that hope. I wanted her to know about it. I found four candles that could be burned. On her birthday, with a live band for ambiance, and family watching, she opened the gift and found the four candles on a cross. I lit them and said, "These candles represent the story of when you came into my life. The first candle is peace. Before you I felt like peace had left my life". I blew out that candle, then said, "The second candle is faith. I had lost faith in a better future". I blew that candle out. The third candle was love. "Besides my children I did not feel that love was possible for me". The candle of love went out. "The final candle was hope. That was you. The day I met you everything changed. You see... as long as you have hope, it can light all other things. Melia, you are my hope". I got on one knee and started to shake. This was the moment. "Melia, if you would marry me it would restore the peace, faith, and love in my life. WILL YOU MARRY ME and relight these candles?! The candles were lit. She said YES! This was the beginning of a lifetime filled with peace, faith, love and hope with my LOVE.