Eric and I both attended Mount Ararat Church. We attended the same Sunday School class for a while, so we were acquaintances. We had numerous mutual FB friends and eventually connected on FB ourselves. In 2020, the pandemic lockdown was in full effect. I was working from home sending out weekly English assignments to my 8th grade students. Eric was laid off from his HVAC job and was looking for any side work he could do. I answered a FB post he made, asking him to come help me with yard work at my townhouse. So on April 26 he came out to let me know what he could do and provide an estimate. On April 29, Eric came out and we worked together for a good part of the day. We talked and got to know each other. I sensed a strong connection between us and wanted to get to know him better, so I invited him to dinner at my house. He accepted! On Friday May 8, Eric came to dinner. We had stuffed peppers, played a little ping pong, and watched a movie. But after that night, it would be two months before we reconnected again.

The pandemic affected people's lives in different ways. Adjusting to the "new normal" was not easy. Eric would respond to my Facebook posts and at the end of one of his comments he stated that he missed me. We reconnected in July and decided on July 13 that we would make our courtship official.

We are limited as to what we can do because of the pandemic. Normal dates are out of the question. So we get together and cook meals, watch movies, and attend church together on Sundays.

This is a busy season for Eric, aerating and seeding lawns. But over Labor Day weekend he took the time to go to Myrtle Beach, SC, with me to visit my parents for the first time! Of course my parents really liked him.

Thanksgiving was a blessed time. We celebrated the day first by going to Eric's sister, Sarah's, house. I met his sister's family as well as his dad. Then we came back to my place for dinner with my folks and my daughters. At this time, my son had completed Marine Corps Boot Camp and was getting ready to head to MOS school. But we'll be seeing him in December!

My love took me out for an amazing evening for my birthday. Dinner at The Log Cabin was exquisite. The food was delectable, the ambience was absolutely charming, but the company was incomparable.

Christmas with Eric and all three of my kids couldn't have been more perfect! They attended Christmas service with us and then came back for Christmas Eve festivities. I had a very special gift I'd been diligently working on for Eric. My daughters knew about the painting because they would come over and we'd all paint together on my living room floor. They were excited to see his reaction! Since his favorite fish is the Discus, I decided to employ my fledgling skills and create an unforgettable rendition of his beloved underwater inhabitants.

Celebrating Valentine's Day and seven months together.

Happy Birthday to the man who has shown me incredible patience, grace, and love. Thank you for all my smiles, Babe! Of course, where else would we be eating on his birthday but at his favorite Mexican Restaurant!

Anticipating a bright future together, we decide to go house shopping. Our loving heavenly Father provided just the right place at just the right time! "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

July fourth holiday spent with my parents in Myrtle Beach, SC!

Fun at the Fredericksburg Nats!

SHE SAID YES! I have been attending Eric's ministry meetings with him on Saturday mornings. This has been such a precious time of meeting those who have become not only his friends, but his family. He surprised me this morning by proposing in front of everyone and presenting the most beautiful token of his pledge to love me for always. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11