The Past... Rascal Flats says it best in his song "Bless the Broken Road". "Every long lost road led me to where you are..." is one line that explains our story. There was so many times and opportunities for our paths to cross, but the timing was never right. We shared the same circle of friends...only those circles were years or months later. The Present... Our paths finally crossed through mutual friends...Paul having known them for years...Renee for just over a year. A friendship developed after the discovery that we were both silly crazy (yes...silly crazy), and we both loved music especially old skool music. However, it wasn't until a near death experience...no lie...at the Grand Canyon in triple degree temps that Paul's eyes were opened. No...It wasn't a mirage. He realized what a gem he had before him. "It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true..." The Future... Prior to dating, Paul made his intentions known. He made it clear that he wasn't looking for a girlfriend. He was looking for a wife! Prior to getting to know Paul, Renee decided she was going to prepare herself for marriage. Fast forward...It was among friends in an Italian restaurant where Paul stood up when a guitarist entered playing the very song he promised he would sing when he proposed. And yes, he got down on one knee after he finished singing! So, here we are..."God bless the broken road that led me straight to you!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZp6pmgbZyU

We first met on a Friday evening when Paul and his two friends Stan and Chris were preparing to host a talk show. Stan had asked Renee to record the session. Although the initial meeting was uneventful, Paul to this day remembers what Renee was wearing and her hairstyle. Sometime later, Paul came to the Bay Area to hang out with the Mackey's. This is the very family Renee spent much of her free time with. During conversations, we just naturally gelled. Renee thought "he's crazy". Meanwhile, Paul thought "how can she be crazy like me?". What Paul dished out, Renee unexpectedly served it right back at him. Was he intrigued? Yep! Paul continued to visit the Mackey's where we all participated in various activities and outings from zip lining to planning and running a Youth Retreat. As time went on, by default, we were always paired together since the rest of our friends were married. At some point, Renee realized she was crushing on Paul, but didn't tell anyone. However, 15 year year old (at the time) Trio Mackey seeing potential decided he would low key play matchmaking. Any opportunity Trio had, he would take advantage of the opportunity to promote his agenda. When leaving the Mackey's house, Trio would walk Renee to her car. What a gentleman...right? Well, what his parents didn't know is that Trio was what he considered "counseling" Renee! Hahaha! Trio was dropping nuggets like "You and Uncle Paul should date." and then he would walk away. Any interaction Renee and Paul had, Trio's watchful eye was observing, and he would give that sly little smile that if you weren't paying attention, it could be overlooked. So, of course when Renee and Paul actually started dating, the 15 year old proudly announced that he was responsible for getting the two of us together. So, yeah...we'll go with that. But for Renee and Paul, we both know that it was by Divine intervention that our paths finally intersected.

Paul never gave in to the pressure of asking Renee to marry him in spite the many inquiries, promptings and suggestions. Paul had a plan. However, when his first plan fell through and there didn't seem to be any other thoughts to Paul coming up with another plan, Renee began to get a little antsy. Paul, sensing her antsy-ness would send little encouraging hints by singing bits of the song he stated he would sing when he proposed. When Renee realized he was serious and nearly knew all of the lyrics, she relaxed. But then she started trying to figure out when he was going to ask. Could it be this weekend? But how was he going to create the opportunity? Did he need help or suggestions? Well, lo and behold, after church that same weekend, friends came over to where Renee and Paul were sitting and stated they were planning a birthday celebration for the 3 June babies (Melissa, Dee and Chris) for that evening. It wasn't strange for all of us to get together and do something, however, occasions such as birthday celebrations are always planned. But hey...the voice told Renee to just go with it! Meanwhile, Paul was sitting there acting as if he was uninterested. The last words we heard (multiple times) was that we would get a call telling us where and when we were meeting up. Well, our friends were so excited and enjoying themselves at the restaurant while they waited for us to arrive that they forgot to give us the call indicating the time and place!! Once we finally arrived at the restaurant, it wasn't long before a familiar face walked in playing the guitar which was Paul's cue. Paul stood up and started singing "Ain't Enough for Me" by Anthony David. Talk about surreal! It was finally happening! Paul then got on his knee and proposed to Renee. So, on Saturday evening on 6/8/19 at Buca di Beppo amongst friends and strangers (the restaurant guest and workers had gathered around as Paul was singing), Renee and Paul transitioned from dating to engaged.