The Dave and Donna Story

(Written by Donna with Dave’s Approval)

Our story begins several years ago . . .

We knew each other since kindergarten and 1st grade. Or I should say, he “noticed” me in kindergarten, but I did not “notice” him until first grade. He probably noticed me in kindergarten because I was the one pee-ing on the floor – just drank milk and it was an afternoon session one hour after lunch.

Although on different streets, we lived 6 houses apart. We attended the same kindergarten (Bayless School) and the same grade school (St. Timothy’s Catholic Grade School). Our parents knew each other and attended the same church functions. My best friend’s backyard backed up to Dave’s backyard. It was then that I started playing with my future sister-in-laws Karen and Diane. I remember playing Beatles records in their living room on the stereo. I also recall Dave and his cousin trying to scare my best friend and I when sleeping out in a backyard tent.

The same hard working, modest income, Catholic structure was bred in both of us. With much sacrifice, both of our parents sent us to private Catholic high schools – Dave to CBC and me to Notre Dame. Somehow, we still went to the same proms, games and receptions although with different people.

It wasn’t until after college that we reconnected (at age 37) after we both built new houses 6 months apart, one community apart – Dave in Arnold and me in Fenton. We started dating soon, thereafter.

Together, we took care of our 35 plus foster dogs (not all at the same time) from Stray Rescue. Life was busy for us both with careers, new houses and our “canine kids” (everywhere). Eventually, our adopted dogs need special care along with our parents.

People would frequently ask us why we did not get married. We knew we were better together than apart and certainly were committed to each other with the same values. Getting married in the manner we desired, required a process which would take time. Although we greatly miss our loved ones, we now have the time to devote to one another.

I did once before wear a white dress and veil, and simultaneously walked down the aisle with Dave – back in 1963 at our First Communion. I had a veil situation during that ceremony. I distinctly recall my mom saying, “don’t touch your veil.” So when my veil started to slip, all I could do was tilt my head to prevent it from falling off. That plan soon failed. This time when I wear my white dress and veil, I hope to not have the same veil situation. If I do, I will be touching my veil.

Please know how grateful we are to have all of you celebrate in our wedding together. Our special thanks and love is sent to our sisters: Cookie, Karen, Diane and Jean.