In 1998, when computers were relatively new and the internet really wasn't that world-wide yet, there was a little chatroom called the Canadian chatroom. I was chatting away and making friends, when some strange guy started to chat me up. Emenow63 was his handle and Cockerspaniel71 was mine. And I fell in love. He was sweet and romantic and so funny. I took a chance and flew to Manitoba, Canada and spent a week with him there sight-seeing and meeting other people from the chatroom. A couple of months later, he drove down to join my family at our beach vacation. It was during that week that I knew I wanted to be with him forever. I was ready to fill out immigration papers!! BUT, it was not our time then and we separated. We lost track of one another and we each lived our own changing lives. I searched for him though, many, many times throughout the years. No matter where I searched, I couldn't find any word about him. Then, life changed for me again. I began searching for Rob again. I wanted to know that he was alive and well and happy. This time, after almost a quarter of a century later, I finally found him!!! I messaged him immediately. I wasn't sure if he would remember me, but I just wanted to know how he was. His life was also in the midst of a change. So, we reconnected. And fell in love all over again, deeper and stronger than the love we had all those years ago. This time, we made a vow that nothing would separate us ever again. Now, we will make the vows that will bind us together forever with our loved ones there with us.

On Thursday January 16th, 2025, we traveled to Princeton, WV for medical appointments. On the way back, we drove to the East River Mountain Lookout near Bluefield, WV. In 1998, Dawn had taken me to the top of that mountain while on our way to her family's beach vacation. I remember Dawn's warning me to beware of Copperhead snakes when we visited there. This time, there were no fear of Copperheads as is was snow-covered and very chilly.

When we arrived at the lookout, Dawn walked over to the giant 2-person swing overlooking the mountain ranges. It was then that I told her that I thought it was amazing that God had allowed us to come back to this location, together, all these years later and that I felt that He had given me a second chance! That's when I dropped to one knee and asked her to be mine forever....SHE SAID YES!!!!!!!!!!