The moment that forever changed our lives... A coincidental encounter or intentional crossing of paths that was destined for both; a merging of two lives that became ONE love. How we met…. My brother, Brian, my friend, Mike, and I went on a short getaway to Arizona for a few days last August. On the final night of the trip (Friday, August 6th) we asked a Scottsdale local for a suggestion for a fun low-key place to go. That suggestion was a small but lively establishment called The Rooster Tavern. Upon arriving, we navigated the busy crowd and made our way to the back of the bar where all the action seemed to be. There was live music and several tables of people who seemed to be having an exceptionally good time. Unfortunately for us, the bar was packed, and all the tables and seats were taken. Nevertheless, we managed to find a spot for us to stand and enjoy the music. As we were watching the live music, I noticed this beautiful blonde with the most amazing eyes and smile. A smile that could light the night sky and eyes that reflected the genuine soul she has. Once she took a moment to come up for air from engaging in what looked like multiple conversations with multiple people, she noticed me looking over at her and our eyes connected. At that moment, we both knew something special had occurred. We weren’t exactly sure what that meant but we both felt it. As the night carried on so did our exchange of smiles. After a few minutes, or perhaps it was hours, I finally worked up enough courage to go over and introduce myself. It was then my suspicions were confirmed, Shannon was special and something indeed amazing was happening. Later that evening before leaving the good 'ol Rooster we made plans to meet for brunch the following morning. At brunch, the normal "first date" excitement and intel was exchanged but there was NOTHING normal about this brunch or first date for that matter. It was as if we instantly found a comfort and ourselves already settling into each other hearts. The brunch lasted until it was almost dinner time and time for me to get on a plane back to Chicago. Shannon will say she was not sure just exactly how this would all work out, but it wasn't even a question whether or not to figure it out. I, on the other hand, didn't even bother to think of trivial things like geography, I just knew we needed to see each other again as soon as possible. With that in mind, we had multiple flights booked for Shannon's first visit to meet on my turf in Chicago before I landed back in Chicago later that night. In the coming days / weeks we discussed our feelings and came to see not only did we have identical feelings, but we shared the same vision for our lives. Neither didn't contain the other.We quickly realized there was a higher power at work and we were meant to be together. Shannon called our story "already written" and would say things like "I may have a choice but there is no decision to be made". We quickly chiseled our time apart down from 2 weeks to several days until it was impossible for our hearts that had become one loud beat to be apart. We accepted the next steps as if they had been shared with us long before we ever met.... poor Shannon was headed back to the Midwest; something she swore would never happen by choice. It only took a love that could not be denied and an effortless understanding that a life together was not just inevitable but necessary.