We are Getting Married!!

Phoenix, moved to Washington in 09/22 from another state. Wanting a better life for her family. Not looking for a new relationship, being in a new state, needing a job & stable home for her kids & her. Funny, things change so quickly when you least expect it. Her grandma Pat used to say, “Stop looking for love, Love yourself. When you least expect it, another love will find you instead”. I got to say, my grandma, RIP, was right. Over the years I have made a fair share of mistakes, when it came to love, my judgment was clouded, & wrong. Moving to Washington changed that. I chose myself first, I didn't think was possible, but I did; when I least expected it, 12/24/22; yes, Christmas Eve, ANDREW! The moment his eyes locked with mine; I felt that love my grandma often spoke about. I knew right then, I was going to marry him. He just did not know it yet. As we grew closer, and dated, he still had his doubts, but I didn’t. When Easter came, I proposed to him. Everyone thought I was nuts! Andrew’s sister asked, “are you sure?” My response, “Yup. I love him.” During early fall 2023 to early 2024, we spent the time moving from place to place, while we waited for our 1st home. When I moved to Washington, I was stayed with my sister, (no longer associated w/her), Andrew & I faced the biggest test that would either make us or break us. Homelessness. My sis had a history of kicking me out, during 12/22 after I helped pay her bills, bought food, gifts for all the kids, her & her husband. She knew I went broke, she showed her true colors. Phoenix was in the homeless shelter with her kids after being kicked out by her toxic sis the 1st time…while I, Andrew, was living in Oxford remaining clean & sober getting SUDP treatment & attending NA meetings with her & the kids. When she asked me to move out of Oxford, I admit I was scared; reluctant, but I gave it a chance not knowing how the outcome of this change would affect our relationship. Taking the chance & leap in faith. I never thought we would move into an apartment together after being homeless again. (Reason we went to my sis was because I was loosing placement at shelter for being in the hospital.) When she asked me to move in with her, I was skeptical, but I had an open mind, committed to making this relationship work. We stayed with her sis for a little bit then she booted us out with the kids in early fall, when bills got paid. (Shame, I honestly thought my sis changed & saw the errors in her ways. She didn't; she put all the blame on everyone else but herself.) I, Andrew, was surprised cause her sis only tried to kick me out not Phoenix & the kids, an attempt to break us apart, cops told me to pack up. I was astonished when Phoenix decided right then she & the kids were going to leave with me. I had 15 mins to pack up my stuff & be off the property; they packed up too. That is how we became stronger; that’s the moment I knew for a fact, Phoenix was in it for the long haul. Andrew would tell me stories of how he told his family he would meet someone from out of state, settle down with, marry. Funny, I’m out of state. We can say this much, our 2-year engagement has not been easy. While we have had wonderful times, to Seattle on the WST Ferry for our first Valentine’s together, dinner at Von’s 1000 Spirits, a double date for my daughters sweet 16 b-day to the NF, 08/23; Jeff Dunham in Tacoma, April 2025, when Andrew proposed to me; our time has not been without trials & hardships. Homelessness was stressful, not knowing where to go, getting mail, feeding the kids, shower, stay warm. Tough. I would not change a thing. We grew closer, survived one of life’s hardest challenges. If we could do that so early on, remain clean & sober, then we could do anything! We met wonderful people along the way, our support grew, & so did we as a couple. By the time February 2024 came, we got to move into a place to call home. We met Corrine and Karla, Godsends they are through First Lutheran Church.