Dating in the 21^st century is very different than it was in high school. You have to go online. So that’s what I did. After much hesitation and apprehension I subscribed to Match.com. I had about given up when I received a very eloquently written e-mail. (Jon's always telling me he knows how to "spit some game". Yes indeed. LOL). It caught my attention and I could tell from just that one e-mail that he was an intelligent, kind, "father first" with a great sense of humor.

We exchanged numbers and started texting and talking on the phone. (I loved his voice the first time I heard it. He sounded so kind. Which he IS).

Our first date went perfectly. The conversation just flowed effortlessly. We had so much in common and he just seemed so interesting. I didn't want the evening to end so when Jon suggested we go for a walk at Galloway Park I said yes. It was a FANTASTIC first date. Couldn't have planned it better than it went.

We have spent the last 2 and a half years getting to know each other. I am constantly learning something new about Jon and falling in love with him more and more every day.

When I met his kids and family I felt like I belonged right away. And my kids and family welcomed and fell in love with Jon right away as well.

It's just been so easy with Jon even though we've been dealt some pretty tough blows. I've always heard that's the way it's supposed to be but hadn't actually experienced it until now.  Now I know what all these people, and movies, and books, etc. were talking about. I can't wait to get started on experiencing it for the rest of my life and getting to know and falling in love with Jon more and more every day.

I was on Match.com but having no luck and had already cancelled my subscription. I still had about 15 days left before it shut off and was bored and scrolling through my "matches" when I came across a picture of a gorgeous redhead with the most eye catching smile I had ever seen. She had pictures of her at work functions and out with friends and at Chiefs games...all with that gorgeous smile!! I couldn't stop looking!!

So...with little hope of getting a response...I sent her an email. Much to my surprise, she responded and we began a virtual conversation. It didn't take long to see how intelligent and articulate she was, and we soon exchanged numbers and began texting then speaking on the phone (dating in the 21st century!!!).

Once she agreed to take a chance and have dinner with me, it took no time to realize how similar our interests were. We spent that first evening barely eating because of all the conversation and, once dinner was done, neither of us was ready to say goodnight so we went to a park to sit and talk for another couple hours. It was clear that first night that she was an amazing woman with an inner strength that was so attractive!!! We also learned how much we had in common...from liking the same movies and music, the same sports (albeit different teams!!) and were spot on with our thoughts on everything from politics to parenthood.

Once I got to know her wonderful kids and her welcoming family, I was totally hooked!! And when I saw how she was with my kids and family, I knew I couldn't let her get away.

We dated for a year and a couple months before moving in together. I was amazed at how wonderful and easy she is to live with, even though there were some tough times due to health issues with my father and my younger children moving away. She never failed to be a rock and a source of strength and encouragement for me and my whole family. I realized that I would be a fool to not marry this woman and spend my life with her. So...I'm gonna!!!