Caleb Smith, my nephew by heart,began classes at J. Thornton's UKS - and being a part of the Smith family- I spent numerous evenings in studio participating in kick boxing or walking in downtown Ringgold with Caleb's mom (Phoebe). I met Mr. Dickson during Caleb's classes and perceived his "tactics" as an instructor a little too much for my young nephew. We (the Smith family) then began to attend the Friday night dinners (typically Mexican) and one night we ended in the car talking for hours- which became typical for every Friday evening. We then developed a friendship- with the man that was so mean to my Caleb. I believe the first time "love" was actually stated was the day he went to surgery for a triple bypass- my words- not necessarily his words. After 12 weeks of me sleeping on a couch as he recovered from surgery- he finally realized I wasn't leaving. We both repeated "never marriage." In the midst of this time frame, our friend Dalton Blevins was informed by his wife that "Mongo and I were dating"- considered unbelievable by most- we are kind of night and day. Now Dalton will be the officiant at our wedding. Although we are older than most, and very different from each other, I have been blessed to find my true love, that compliments my life.