Beau- We were introduced by a computer algorithm that took a questionnaire that she labored over & I filled out in about 10 minutes. We were a 98% match. Despite the fact that I thought I couldn’t possibly stand someone that is 98% like me, we began messaging. The early weeks took on the feel of a job-candidate search. We were brutally honest with each other, to the point where it seemed like we were more interested in not meeting than actually meeting. We exchanged our “deal breakers.” TJ declared family integration, church attendance & faith in God was necessary. I let her know that I was a Presbyterian Minister, then explained that we did believe in God & I went to church. I let her know that I had a son, & any woman who wasn’t capable of loving a child because he was adopted wasn’t welcome into my heart. She shared her adoption story as well as the numerous kiddos that called her mom but shared no DNA. After talking for weeks we decided to meet in a safe spot for lunch. She began our first face-to-face by explaining that she was not after my kidney, because neither one was likely to be healthy enough to harvest. I may be wrong, but I believe that was the last time a waiter got both our orders correct. We introduced each other to family & friends slowly, we agreed on a “timeline” in her mind, a “sequence” in mine. Which is largely because of that 2% difference. Both resolved to put God first & see how it developed. She had to develop the understanding that I process out-loud, so my words are not committals to action, & me realizing that I use declarative sentences too frequently. Our commitment to each other was immediate, we devoted our time & energy to see where this was going. It was apparent, we were going to be there for each other, & at the proper time, with the blessings of most friends, but all family, we got engaged. Now we enter the “planning a wedding” phase of our relationship, and wish to include a wider breadth of people in the happiness we share.