It all started with a simple “would you care to dance?” at the Amvets Christmas Dinner in 2017. As most of you know, Donnie belonged to my mom (Ruth) so she always said. Too scared to say no to “mom’s Donnie”, so I reply “yes”. We dance (wish I could remember the song), and while we danced, Donnie sang it. I’m thinking, “wow, he can sing”! Thought that was pretty cool. Afterwards he suggests a future dinner date which I awkwardly accept but pretty darn scared I just said yes to this. Fast forward to May of 2018 and I run into “mom’s Donnie” again while visiting the Amvets. Donnie reminds me we never had our date. (Hmmm, whose fault is this I wonder?). This time he follows through and our first date is at Merwin’s Wharf in the Flats. I’m pretty darn nervous- it’s been a lifetime since I had to do this dating stuff. My fears were quickly forgotten. He was so sweet, such a gentleman (and still is by the way) oh and did I mention we had lobster? So I decide, “yep, I think I like this guy” - “mom’s Donnie”. Fast forward to December 14, 2019, while attending a Michael Stanley concert at MGM - (we both sure loved Michael Stanley), so it was absolutely perfect that this sweet “mom’s Donnie” asks me to marry him! Naturally Mom was the first person I told and her response “well if I can’t have him, I’m so happy you get him”! We even got a congratulations card signed by Michael Stanley! Seven amazing, happy, fun-filled years later, “mom’s Donnie” is my Donnie ❤️.

Did I mention that Donnie has become an amazing addition to my large group of humans and 4 legged friends, who all love him as much as I do - and he’s a pretty darn good Gpa Donnie too. I mean after 7 years, 4 grown children, 9 grandchildren, 2 weenie dogs, a cat who thinks she’s a dog and a bird - he’s still here! I’m so
Looking forward to a lifetime with this guy - “my Donnie”.