Thumbing through the dating apps can be a massive drag. For every girl posing on a wall with butterfly wings, there's a man holding a fish. For every "green flag", there appears to be a dozen "red flags."

But for those looking for love while the world is staying home to avoid risk of illness, its a necessity. Cletus and Jana had swiped on hundreds of prospective suitors, but struggled to find that spark. Until a a Christmastime swiping session landed their pictures on each others' phones. In what might be the first act of fate, they both took the chance and swiped right!

In a typical world, Jana might have let this match expire, lost to the ones and zeroes of the digital world. But for some reason, she sent the first message, and Cletus immediately replied. Through their chats, they discovered they actually went to high school together, but never truly crossed paths. Several days of constant chatting and texting led to Cletus fumbling his words over text asking for a date. Since time was limited between prior plans and coordinating Jana's kids' schedule, the agreement was for December 29th, 2020. With restaurants still not allowing in person seating and much of the world at a standstill, Jana invited Cletus over after work. Cletus arrived in the early moments of a steady snowfall with a frozen Heggie's Pizza and the 2003 Mayo High School Yearbook in hand.

Sharing a few slices of pizza, Cletus and Jana thumbed through the yearbook, pointing out former friends, reading messages, and discussing our personal high school experience. The laughs, smiles, and fun carried right up unitl the last minutes with Cletus brushing off his car and leaving literally seconds before Olivia, Gannon and Luca arrived back home.

The couple continued their dates on weekends and Tuesday nights, but the conversations never faltered as the texts flowed morning, noon, and night. As time went on, the couple started inegrating with each others' lives. Family functions, now included the other. Reality TV shows and Pro Wrestling became regular watches for both. Jana discovered hockey and vintage base ball and became Cletus' regular co-pilot/passenger princess. Finally the decision was to move in together along with Olivia, Gannon, and Luca. Construction began on the house to ensure enough space for everyone.

But how did they get engaged?

With the final days of Jana's townhouse winding down, Cletus chose the last night of the first place they met. With the kids being home, they ordered some Noodles and all sat in the now-barren living room. Jana and Olivia discussed memories they had of the 5 years in the towhouse while Cletus listened. Finally Cletus chimed in. While his memories of the townhouse were significantly less, Cletus reminded Jana that their first date was in that very living room 1006 days prior. At that point, Cletus acknowledged a new chapter was starting for the whole family, which he wanted to start with a final happy memory of the townhouse. Cletus crawled up to his knee, and presented the ring. Jana stared at him in shock for several seconds before he asked "Is that a yes?" to which she giddily replied, "Yes!" The shock clearly froze Jana as Cletus had to grab her hand to put the ring on her finger.

Cletus and Jana have seen much change in the last two and a half years. From new hobbies, new pets, new friends, and even new living arrangements, the two have been the pillar of consistency with each other. The couple has shared every aspect of their lives with each other. They have laughed until they cried. They have played therapist to each other. They have shared losses and victories. They have stayed up until 3am sharing their dreams and fears with each other.

As their love for each other continue to grow, they invite you to join them on this journey. You will be an important part of their support system as they continue to grow old together.