Amidst the chaotic turmoil that COVID thrust upon our lives, where normalcy slipped through our fingers and loved ones were tragically lost, a glimmer of hope emerged. It was during this unprecedented time that Joe and I found solace in each other's arms, a love story that blossomed against all odds.

On that serendipitous day, the 29th of August 2020, fate guided us to an online encounter that ignited a spark within our hearts. Days turned into a week filled with captivating conversations that unfolded through the art of text. I remember the sheer delight I experienced as I found myself enveloped in laughter, my soul dancing to the rhythm of Joe's witty charm.

And then, on the 5th of September, as the world outside remained uncertain, we embarked on our first date. Time seemed to stand still as I eagerly awaited his arrival, my heart pounding with anticipation. Moments stretched into what felt like an eternity until, finally, his presence graced the scene. With his face hidden behind a mask, he exuded an irresistible allure, captivating my every sense.

Little did I know that behind his endearing charm, Joe had been consumed by nerves, forgetting the simplest of gestures like brushing his teeth. It was only later, after six months of being together, that he confessed his adorable secret, explaining the brief delay that had left me anxiously wondering. Such a sweet example of the vulnerability of love's first meeting!

Although our dining experience at the Mexican restaurant left much to be desired, the flavor of our connection continued to blossom. Joe, ever the romantic, suggested we seek refuge in a charming Irish pub named McMullan's, where the melodies of laughter and the clinking of glasses would form the soundtrack of our enchanting evening. As we delved into the depths of our souls, we discovered shared passions for craft beer, live music, and similar childhood summers spent in Michigan.

Our hearts intertwined further as we bared our souls, vowing to never engage in senseless arguments, for we had outgrown the turbulence of past relationships. It is a testament to the strength of our connection that, to this day, we have never let a single disagreement tarnish our love. Against all odds, our love story unfolded with an ease that seemed too good to be true.

In that magical moment, as our eyes locked over a platter of delectable Irish nachos, the universe whispered its grand design. We both knew, deep within our souls, that we had discovered our soulmates, destined to journey through life hand in hand.

Forced to adapt to the limitations imposed by COVID, our early days were a testament to our resilience and creativity. As the world stood still, we embarked on countless adventures, traversing the open roads, bound by great music and the wonders of Nevada's hidden treasures. Our connection grew stronger, effortlessly completing each other's thoughts and harmonizing our voices to the same tunes. Sharing the mysteries and magic of true love!

And then, in the embrace of October 2021, we made the courageous decision to intertwine our lives further, moving in together. It was a choice that brought immeasurable joy, for we discovered that even in the mundane, our hearts longed for one another's presence. The absence during weekdays only served to intensify our longing, reinforcing the depth of our love.

During the joyous Christmas celebration of 2022, Joe took my breath away with his proposal, and a ring that dazzled. Both my heart and soul were overflowing with a resounding "yes." Since that momentous occasion, we have poured our hearts into planning our wedding, cherishing every step towards our future as we relish our journey to get to this step.

As all of you know, we have been enduring some weighty challenges since May of this year. My health has been delicate, and I find myself in the midst of a very serious medical situation. This circumstance necessitates constant assistance and temporarily prevents me from ascending stairs.

While I convalesce at my Mama's, he diligently works and tends to our beloved fur babies. The physical separation throughout the week, with only the weekends for our reunions, serves as a poignant reminder of the depth of my affection for this remarkable man. He remains the sole individual capable of evoking such uproarious laughter that my stomach aches with delight. The yearning for his presence consumes me, and I eagerly anticipate the moment when I shall walk down the aisle to unite with my soulmate. Together, we shall embark on the journey of our enduring, blissful, and healthy lives on the auspicious date of April 20th, 2024. We extend our heartfelt invitation, hoping to share this momentous occasion with all of you.