We met on October 23, 2020 after a mutual friend decided we needed to meet each other.

Joy's 1st Meeting Version: John showed up for our 1st meeting in shorts, a blackT-shirt and tennis shoes. He had a funny northern accent. He had alot of dad jokes. He was unlike anyone I had ever been set up with. I almost walked away. He obviously did not own boots. But after a few jokes and he drug conversation out of me, I caught a glimpse of his arms. As the night went on, conversation went easier, laughs came more often and a kiss did me in. I knew as soon as it happened that I'd let him stay around for a while.

John's 1st Meeting Version:

I was waiting for her to arrive. I first saw our friend that was introducing us, then I saw her. All I could say was WOW! I'm pretty sure my jaw hit the table. Luckily they were saying hi to some friends and it gave me a chance to close my mouth and think of something really clever to say. She walked over, looking at the floor and didnt actually look at me until our friend said my name. One look in her eyes and my clever saying went right out the window and all I could actually say was "Hi, its really nice to finally meet you." So a great start to say the least.

From October until May, Joy drove every weekend and sometimes every day between Cypress and Victoria.

Joy's Version of Dating: John was beyond attentive and giving. I remember mildly denting the upper cabinet in John's kitchen decorating it for Christmas while he was home for the holiday in Michigan. I expected him to be upset, he simply replied wth "that's what paint is for." At every chance this man's sacrifice for my happiness just blew me away.

John's Version of Dating: Joy was so amazing to be with. She sees everything with a child-like happiness and excitement. It really made me start to see things differently and notice all the things that we take for granted every day. A pretty flower growing in a crack in the sidewalk, a beautiful tree in full bloom, Squirrels playing in the yard and chattering to each other. the little things mean a lot.

After a relavtively short time, it was obvious where this was going.

How Joy Knew: I knew because I felt safe. I knew because discussions replaced yelling (as was a norm for me). I knew because I watched a journey with God go into full bloom. I knew when he held my granddaughter at first meeting her; the way he and my dad talked cars for what seemed like forever, during their 1st meeting. I knew when I watched the interactions John had with my sons, my daughter, my family and my friends. I knew when I hung a picture of my mom side hugging, kinda of hanging off my dad, the same way I hung on and hugged onto John, that she was giving her blessing.

How John Knew: When she finally got to meet my family and all my Michigan friends she really came out of her comfort zone and hugged everyone. (We are all huggers, she is not. lol) I knew what a big deal that was for her. She talked with my friends like shes known them forever!

The proposal finally came on August 28th, 2022 outside of Community of Faith Church.

John's Proposal Plan: I first asked Mr. Hancock for Joy's hand while he was visiting with us for Spring Break of 2022. He gave his blessing! I decided to propose at our church becuase it is her Happy Place. Shes always smiling and happier there than anywhere else. So I figured my odds were better if shes in a good mood. lol

I couldn't tell you one thing the preacher said though, I was too busy worrying about how I was going to propose. I pulled the old "I need to sit down for a minute" trick to get her off to the side where I could kneel down and propose properly. I asked and her first words were "No get up" another great start. lol All I could get out was a nervous "Marry Me?" which was not at all what I had planned. But regardless, she said YES!

Joy's Proposal Reaction: I was mortified (I literally thought he was on the ground hurt lol)! John had been having a lot of knee pain. At this point he had many days of limping spells and pain. As we were leaving church he asked if he could sit a minute (directly under the New Visitor's Welcome Tent). I was people watching and asked if he was ok. The next thing I know he is on the ground on one knee. My first reaction was OMG he is stretching out his knee right here! Followed by OMG I hope he is ok! And lastly, as I am trying to get him off the ground, I realize there is a ring in his hand and what he was asking! A passerby took a picture for us but I don't think it was until I got into the car that my brain had fully wrapped around the fact that his knee was fine and I was now offically engaged.

On August 18, 2022 an exchange of vows was made just after church as a means of blessing the union ahead of the long road to planning a legal wedding.

Joy's Final Thoughts: I knew John was the one. We have our days as any couple, but there are far more good than bad. We are on the same journey and have had similar paths. I vowed to give in and submit as his wife knowing he would do his best to lead me and our blended family as a God fearing Christian man. I read his vows. They were short but I knew they were completely sincere.

I still remember the days I prayed for what I have now! I am truly a blessed woman.

John's Final Thoughts: When I read her vows (all 4 pages) I realized that Joy was speaking from her heart. Honestly I felt bad for giving her mine which was maybe one paragraph. but thats just one the differences between her and I. She speaks with her southern drawl, slow and steady. Thats also how she acts and reacts to eveything life throws at her. I talk fast and react quickly. We balance each other out perfectly. I am honored to have her as my wife forever. I cannot wait to see what we can do together.