We first matched on Bumble in December of 2018. I was just about to delete the app because I had just gone through the most painful breakup of my life and wanted nothing to do with dating. But, I had a nudging feeling that something really special was around the corner. I couldn't explain it, and I'm so glad i listened to that instinct.

After talking constantly for a few days, we finally scheduled our first date! But sadly, my dad was hospitalized that morning. We of course made a rain check, and we didn't miss a beat! Even back then, David did not let me feel alone. When I was stressed from the holidays, starting a new job (oh yeah, that also happened the same week!), and having a parent in the hospital, he made me laugh and helped the time fly by. When dad came home, we finally had our first date at the famous Doumar's! On December 19th, we met for what we thought would be a casual first date to grab a burger and a milkshake. We ended up talking at the bar for over 3 hours and didn't want the night to end. One of my favorite memories from that night is how David was SO excited to get me an eggnog milkshake because it's his favorite and he thought I'd love it too. I told him I loved it, but I actually thought it was disgusting! I didn't want to damper the evening, so I didn't confess my hatred of eggnog milkshakes for about another year after that.

David left the next morning for his cousin's wedding in Pittsburgh, and of course Christmas was around the corner. We didn't see each other in person until the day after Christmas, but we were in constant contact throughout his whole trip and through Christmas. We went on a couple more dates, and then it was time for New Year's! I didn't know this until much later, but David actually threw a New Year's party together last minute just to have a good reason to ask me to hang out for New Year's! We danced the night away and had a great night in Virginia Beach's Town Center.

David is going to roll his eyes that I included this, but surprise! I had to document the day David met my baby Rocky. They hit it off instantly. The next time he came over, I found Rocky spooning him in my bed!

In May, David finally gave in to something we had both wanted to happen for a long time. By sheer luck, we arrived at the Virginia Beach SPCA minutes after an adorable little tuxedo kitten came into the shelter. David named him Link after the Legend of Zelda game series, and it was love at first sight! Although David is most CERTAINLY his favorite, we have been a happy little family of four ever since 💙

On the two-year anniversary of our rescheduled first date, David told me that we were just taking Rocky on a walk in a local park. Going on long walks in new places is one of Rocky's favorite things in the whole wide world, so both of us were excited to go. At the beginning of the walk, David took me to an observance area overlooking the lake of Oak Grove Park. With Rocky's leash in my hand, I said yes as he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. We are so thankful to all of you for following our journey thus far and in the years to come!