1992- Daisaku(Gary) and Misty would both be at the skating rink and unbeknownst to him, Marilyn and Dwight would bring Misty to see Gary and Misty would get all dolled up. He foolishly never gave her the time of day, but in his defense, she never spoke to him either. Late 2020- While Daisaku had newly retired from the Air Force and was getting his feet on the ground in the States, there was a common acquaintance named Dawnyelle Younger getting her hair done in Van Buren at what's now known as Head Games Salon. As they were having some girl talk, which led into relationship talk. Misty had responded that she was tired of looking for a "good guy". Dawnyelle mentioned “there’s this guy Daisaku Dixon that may be single and recently just moved back to Missouri.” So the seed was as you may say, "planted". Misty contacted another mutual friend and had her ask if Daisaku was seeing anyone. She told him it was Misty Norris and he regrettably and respectfully declined but he was very flattered. (honestly he was intimidated by her beauty and knew nothing else of her). Remind you that he was still oblivious to the crush Misty had on him in their early ages. Early 2021- Not seeing one another for this entire span of time in between Twin Oaks Skating Rink(92) til now(21) standing in line at a gas station in little ol’ Mountain View (Signal Station) their paths would very briefly cross and nervously only a head nod and maybe a mumbled “hey” was exchanged while Misty sneakedly took a creeper photo of Daisaku’s butt while standing behind him in line and sent it to an unknown friend. Mid 2021- While visiting and meeting with a mutual friend, Misty and Daisaku met again for a small group dinner and just happen to sit by each other. Daisaku was privileged to also meet Misty's kids, Trinity and Asher for the very first time. Dinner was enjoyed and everyone went along their way. Early 2022- While Misty was attending a volleyball game in Eminence by coincidence Daisaku had gone to watch a friend's daughter's last game and when he bumped into Misty she invited him to sit with her and her parents (Marilyn and Dwight). Afterwards they went to the Dairy Shack and shared some conversation over ice cream. Still nothing to really talk about as “no sparks” just yet. Afterwards, a few months went by and Daisaku was in need of a last minute haircut, he messaged Misty on Facebook and she squeezed him in for a cut. He was heading to Memphis for a festival with some friends and was looking like a retired bum. October 2022- Finally, Daisaku stopped in Van Buren on his way back from a Poplar Bluff trip to give his number to Misty but she was working at a newspaper place that day instead. He smoothly left a message on her business card and shortly after leaving, a girl working in the shop called Misty and told her. So Misty had quickly reached out to Daisaku in time so he stopped to visit with her briefly. That weekend, Misty would be coming to Eminence with some friends and invited Daisaku out to meet them. He nervously met w/ Misty and met a portion of her motley crew of friends. They know who they are! A great night was had and after making sure everyone got to their rooms safely. Afterwards they met for a quick breakfast at the old Soda Fountain Cafe the next morning before Daisaku had to meet his family for Arts & Crafts. As the month continued on, Misty and Daisaku would keep seeing each other and texting as they developed "feelings" and started figuring one another out. It's not been a picture-perfect relationship but they have truly grown with one another and learned a great deal about each other as they've put it all on the table and had nothing to hide. The future they see together should be bright and full of love and understanding. Luckily, the kids, all of the family, and friends have given their blessings in this beautiful union. Here's to many years of patience, progressive communication, trust, and respect.