Yes, we found each other online - thank you, OkCupid!

One thing is true, at least for me: Online dating is not for the impatient or faint of heart... I spent many a year looking for someone who possibly matched my "eccentricities" who, in turn, was interested in getting to know me. There were many one-and-done dates and disappointments. And then suddenly there weren't.

My location didn't make it easy... No one knew where Betterton was, even when I noted that it was only about 30 minutes from Middletown, DE. Most guys seemed to want a woman right in their backyard. I was too country, too far away... So I changed "Betterton" to "Galena" - a little fib but 20 minutes closer and right off of Route 301. Someone had to know where that was.

So in December 2019, I stumble upon the profile of this handsome, gray-haired man named Scott who seemed to have a good sense of humor. After sending him a wink (or smile or whatever it was - lol), I received a response: "I know where Galena is - I used to live in Warwick!" Maybe he was just being nice or perhaps there was mutual interest.

We exchanged a few messages... I decided to take the initiative and suggest meeting for "a couple beers and some football" - I mean, what was the worst that could happen? He'd tell me he was busy and then disappear?? Like I said, you've got to have a strong spine to take on the world of online dating - so many profiles, so little time, and too many people approaching it as no more than online window shopping.

He was busy that weekend but suggested the following weekend might work. I cheerily replied okay and moved on to the next profile figuring that would be the end of it. Lo and behold, the next week he reached out - "Wanna meet this Sunday?" Well suuuuure...

We decided to meet at Two Stones Pub in Middletown... Scott got there before me (he's always early, I'm always late) and as I walked up to the table, all those familiar self-doubts came flooding back: "Wow, he looks just like his pictures (really cute!) - will he like me?" Or is this gonna be just another uncomfortable meet-up that both of us can't wait to escape?"

Turned out, we kind of clicked - he liked me and vice versa... Turned out, he was actually looking for a relationship with someone... Turned out, he was a really good kisser.

As we said goodbye in the parking lot, he promised to text me to arrange another date... And he did. For our second date, he wanted "to take me away somewhere" - he didn't seem like a serial killer so I agreed and we went to St. Michael's, MD. We ate lunch at an Irish Pub and pretended we were a married couple picking out sofas at a fancy home store. He's polite and quiet and thoughtful and I told him I talk way too much in general and sometimes even annoy myself with my silly chatter. We drove back to Chestertown where we'd met up that morning and ended the evening in a cozy wine bar. We kissed goodnight in the middle of the street like two crazy kids and I slipped on the ice and nearly brought us both down. It was the best date of my life.

And here we are, almost 5 years later... He wants to marry me - and I, him. I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else - he's my lobster ("Friends" anyone?). I waited a long, long time to be this happy and I never want to take it for granted. And I hope God gives us many more years together and many more days like that one in St. Michaels.

Thanks for reading and for supporting our love story. We are grateful to all of our friends and family and can't wait to celebrate with you on October 12th!

D&S

Wedding Day