ENGAGE from Sarah

Our love story began in December 2020 when we met on Bumble, an online dating website. We messaged back and forth there for almost a week before I asked him if he wanted my number. I realized months later that he had actually asked for my number on the second day but I didn’t see his message. I’m so glad he didn’t give up and quit talking to me!

Our first dates were not traditional dates at all. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer a few years earlier and at that time was undergoing Chemotherapy for a second time after a reoccurrence. Due to the risk of Covid and my compromised immune system, we couldn’t go out for dinner, the movies, or concerts. I cooked for us at home or we ordered carry out from our favorite places. We spent our time together with our dogs, going for walks around the neighborhood and talking about everything. He was so sweet, kind and his actions left a great impression. He would go out into the cold and snow to start my car. He’d carry my things and open the door. I knew he really cared when he stopped going out, wore a mask and did everything to protect and keep me healthy. We talked often about our future together.

On November 16, 2022 he told me he wanted to take our dog for a walk. Our walks together are one of the favorite parts of my day. We leave our phones and give one another our full attention. It’s a great chance to catch up on our day and discuss the important things when neither of us is distracted. I didn’t think much of his request to walk somewhere new that day. We went by the river in Hamilton, Illinois and he asked me to help put the dog’s collar on. When I went to help, he got on one knee and pulled out the most beautiful round solitaire diamond ring from his pocket. I was so surprised! The dog was too! He sat next to him and put his paw up on Jarrod’s leg. It felt like they were both asking me to be a part of their family. I said Yes through all the happy tears. Jarrod is smart, ambitious, and so committed to his friends, family and loved ones. I am so lucky to have this man by my side. We plan to marry in the early fall 2023.