Melissa had known Dennae (Rich’s sister) in Asheville right after college. Shortly after leaving Asheville, Melissa was in a wedding with Sam (Rich’s brother). But it took another 8 years for Melissa to meet the youngest Koenke. It was a Saturday morning in April. She recognized Rich at the CrossFit gym she had started visiting. She had been told to look out for him. So she went over and introduced herself (he was easy to spot as he looks like Sam). Later on, Rich mentioned her to his brother. Sam said, “she’s cool, she’s from Colorado”! They chatted a few more times at the gym. And ended up volunteering together, in October, after hurricane Helene hit. Melissa’s roof leaked (likely from Helene) while she was in OKC for Christmas. She reached out to Rich about it and he was able to point her in the right direction for getting the repairs made. At that point, he was clued in about her actually being from Oklahoma ;) And she was starting to be clued in on his potential interest… They had a month of traveling and being sick so they were only able to text in January. Melissa did attend the 5:30 am CrossFit class (she hasn’t done that again) to wish him a happy Birthday. Finally, on February 2nd, Rich asked Melissa to go running. She was already running with Molly (her roommate). But Melissa suggested he come walk her dog with her instead. After a 3 hr dog walk…. He texted and said “I like the real life Melissa, she’s much cuter” (vs the virtual Melissa). Their first date was February 5th at Tipsy Taco! And their first trip together was February 7th! Rich jokingly asked Melissa to join his family in Charleston for a CrossFit Comp. Melissa thought she’d need to stay back to take care of her and her roommates dogs. But Rachael (Melissa’s sister) immediately said she’d handle the dogs so Melissa could go. Now a year has gone by and they are both grateful to the Lord for allowing their paths to cross. And are super hopeful for what He has in store for the future.