In March of 2024 I met Michael. He was worried that I wouldn't want to go out with him because he couldn't afford a fancy dinner. At the same time,I was worried that he wouldn't want to go out with me because I was a newly single mother. Our first date was a fun one, we went to a movie that we couldn't stand and left halfway through. We talked for 3 hours in the truck instead, then continued our date until 2am.

3 months later he met Parker, it was rocky at first but after a few "play dates" Parker started wanting him more than me. He was an amazing role model, and didn't bat an eye if I asked for help with anything while adjusting to the single mom life. As we grew closer I started to realize how much I cared for him. 6 months in we decided that it was time he moved in with us. Life got easier with him there, not because I had help, but solely because he understood the situations that Parker and I found ourselves in. I had someone who I could vent to, and he had someone who would encourage him to grow.

Over the next 6 months I watched him turn into a man who wanted to provide, and someone who was teaching Parker to be a man as well. Hes made me a better woman, mother, and partner, and I'll be forever grateful for that. The night he proposed, I cannot lie I had a feeling that it would happen. He was going through his 3 levels of nervousness, and when plans changed for the night, he only got more nervous. When we arrived at our local park, he proposed and I was ecstatic. Saying yes was one of the best things I've done. I cannot wait for this next chapter and I'm so glad that we get to share it with all of you!