The fall of 2023 was a tragic time for us. Dustin lost his wife, Jeanette, to colon cancer in September. Ali's husband, Allen, died in October from cancer as well. Both were rocked from the deaths and trying to find a path ahead with two kids (albeit at different stages of childhood). Through fate and the need to process their grief, they ended up at a support group called Tides and shared parts of their stories over several meetings. One of those meetings found Dustin sitting near Ali.

As Ali was willing to reach out about meeting later to talk, Dustin admittedly had no idea that it was a date! A walk around the arboretum in April turned into a relationship that filled them both with needed support, then joy, then love. Later, back at the arboretum and art gallery in Feb 2025, Dustin pulled out a ring and Ali said yes!

All of this is a sign of grace and renewal even through difficult times. And if you are reading this, you have also been part of that journey! We are so glad that you are here!

Love, A & D