Most people don't know our story because we kept our relationship between a select few of our family and friends. We met online but not on a conventional dating site-- Facebook of all places!

We actually met in a Christian Autism Facebook group. A group for those who identify as Christian and also happen to be on the autism spectrum. Michael and I both were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as adults, formally known as Asperger's (which is where the self identifying term "Aspie" comes from). And to find some like minded people who thought and felt as we do, we sought some online support groups on Facebook. And while some deem autism as a sad thing or some scary thing, it actually is something we appreciate about each other and love about each other.

It was actually a big part of how we fell in love and connected with each other because we finally met someone who thought like us and dealt with the same struggles. It was like we no longer felt out of place, but understood, like that finally home feeling.

I, Heather, love and am amazed at his intelligence and his unending supply of trivia and facts. I endearingly call him my human encyclopedia. Haha I know if I need information for something, he can fill in the blanks that I don't have. It also leads to lots of fun and fascinating conversations. Even if it loops around to baseball trivia one too many times! 😆😜

I also enjoy our differences. It sure keeps things interesting! A funny story of one of our first "fights" that we still laugh about is the first time I asked him to pick up some butter and cheese on the way home. He comes home with blue bonnet margarine and fake processed cheese product in plastic wrap! I told him this isn't real butter or real cheese! It's gross fake crap! I told him to never bring that crap into our home again. We have real food in this house. After a few weeks he tried to sneak that stuff into our shopping cart and I told him, no way! He said, to save money because it lasts longer. And I said, yeah that's because you're the only one eating it. Haha

While we both pride ourselves for being thrifty and save money (it actually keeps us from having any fights about money because we both have the same mindset as it relates to money), I learned that Michael will cut corners with food to save money. Where I prefer to have real, whole foods, for a bit more and save on other things like clothing or household items. So that was a fun learning curve for us. But I do know that Michael has gained a new appreciation for food since we have been together. And to this day, we only keep REAL butter and cheese in our home. HAHA 😂

Embarrassing stories notwithstanding, meeting this one over here (points to Heather) has brought me a LOT of joy, happiness and a ton of banter at the grocery store. Anyone who has known me before this roller coaster of a ride with her knows how I ran on pop, bacon, tacos and wings (not necessarily in that order) and for the most part has helped me see a lot of things in life that aren't just food related (though she will appreciate Deep Dish once she actually has it).

I won't be all mushy about it, but Heather makes me smile each and every day with her wit, smile and not gonna lie, her big heart for pretty much everybody drew me to her no matter how much she spoils our puppy. #DamnMunchkin

Are we similar on some things, Yep. Are we polar opposites on others? Yep. Is she a lot more social than I will ever be on even a REALLY good day? Damn Straight. But as my mother-in-law says, there's a pot for every lid, and she fits the mold as if God Himself brought us together (He did, but we can all tell you that later on). Oh, and she really likes my chicken, though anyone in my family can do it better than I can.

We hope you enjoyed our story so far. We look forward to the next chapters ahead of us! We are so excited to celebrate our love with you in December!

See you then!

Love,

Michael & Heather (and the furbabies)