Once upon a time, a gentleman and a lady met on line and fell in love. This is the story of Judith and Jim – how they met, and why they are now getting married.

It was a cold winter day in January 2023 when Judith noticed that Jim was interested in her when he “liked” her on line profile. Her first attraction was that he lived within a 10 mile radius of her home in McLean. Then she noticed that he is was an Army veteran, and had a cute Golden retriever named Angel. As she continued to review his profile, she gained some degree of confidence that he wasn’t a mass murdered or homeless so she cautiously responded with more curiosity than anything. That was on January 7, 2023.

Jim was immediately thrilled that such a gorgeous lady would even notice him. Sure he had been on a few dates in the preceding several months and his track record of “one-and-done” bad dates was discouraging him to a point that he began thinking he should go to seminary and become a monk. Then, along comes Judith with a like and match. As the on line conversation progressed, it was clear to Jim that he must meet Judith. So, he seized the opportunity to ask Judith for a dinner date and to his joyful surprise, she accepted. Patsy’s, 7:00PM, two days later.

Upon meeting Jim, Judith was not repulsed even though she noticed that he needed a little help with his wardrobe selections. She figured this can be rectified but as she began to converse with him, Judith was encouraged by the appearance of a man who is a gentleman and can carry on a conversation in complete sentences. As the evening progressed, any recognition of time was fleeting and by the end of the date, she accepted his invitation to meet again. They continued talking until Patsy’s closed.

From Jim’s perspective of that first encounter, he was immediately attracted to Judith. Her beauty, grace, intelligence, and elegance created hope that he could persuade Judith to meet again. He was very excited when she accepted. Jim and Judith spent quality time throughout the dinner sharing experiences of their past life but more importantly, hopes and dreams of the future. When Jim told Judith he had plans to live out his retirement years on a residential cruise ship that circumnavigates to world every three years, Judith shockingly didn’t get up and leave the dinner table. She did see this on his profile but didn’t fully realize the extent of the commitment until Jim filled in the blanks. She was at least, “intrigued.”

Clearly, from the very beginning, there was a match between Judith and Jim. Over the next few months, date night frequency increased and their affection for each other grew like the tulips in Amsterdam – rapidly and beautifully. There were picnics, dinner dates, West Coast Swing dance lessons and socials, and then in April, the ultimate date – a weekend trip to Paris. It was magical. At each of these, Judith learned more about Jim, and Jim learned more about Judith – and it was good. Interest turned to affection, and affection turned to love. They belonged together just like peas and carrots.

This is a union that is a gift from God and as Judith and Jim pray before each meal, they give thanks and glory to their Creator. In the many months of exciting adventures, as well as quiet home-cooked meals (Judith’s gifted talent), Judith and Jim talked about making the commitment of marriage. This was something neither one of them expected when they first met on January 7. However, as time moved on and they spent more time together, clearly this was meant to be. On June 29, 2023, Jim asked Judith to be his wife. She said yes.

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