She was about to start her Sophomore year in High School. She was blossoming into a spirited, optimistic, creative, and resourceful young woman with a deep appreciation for all the beauty in this world! Though her life had been filled with unimaginable hardships for such a young girl, a light burned inside of her that all could see and feel. Those who knew her best would boast of her compassion for all living things, and her exuberant, care-free nature!

He was about to start his Junior year in High School. He was evolving into a talented, charming, honorable, and lighthearted young man with a true zest for life! Everywhere he went, laughter and joy followed. Those who knew him best would boast of his genuine concern for the welfare of others, and his laid back, fun-loving nature!

Without either of them being aware of it, the Universe was conspiring to bring these two unique souls together. Though they had grown up almost right around the block from one another, attended the same school at one time, and often frequented the same places; the right moment had not come along until now!

It was a sweet summer night in 2001 when their paths would finally cross. A "chance" meeting with friends would soon turn into a love story for the ages. Dan and Monica became the very best of friends and were nearly inseperable. The connection that they shared seemed otherworldly. When they were together they laughed so hard they cried, and the hours seemed to pass like minutes. And so the pair decided to take this beautiful friendship to the next level. After a few "test dates" with friends, they knew that what was between them was surely something special. It was an unforgettable summer that burned bright with the fire of young love! A few months later, while the goofballs were chatting online, the boy asked the girl to be his one and only. Their first "official" date was on 9/22/01- Dans 17th Birthday and the Moeller H.S. Homecoming Dance!

Their bond continued to grow as they experienced life together. Their highschool years were filled with after-school playdates, before-school surprise visits, fishing adventures, driving lessons, deep conversations, family vacations, inside jokes, sweet harmonies, rap sessions, school dances, break-ups, make-ups, baseball tournaments, volleyball games, bass and piano jammin', celebrating holidays and graduations! The two could tell that something special was happening as their love continued to grow deeper, stronger, unwavering. And as Dan drove away for college, with a care package and a letter from his girl in tow, they both knew deep in their hearts that nothing could keep them apart...

"Lovers don't finally meet somewhere...they're in each other all along." - Rumi 

He was finishing up his second year of college at Florida Gulf Coast University. He had just adopted a puppy and was getting settled in to his new life in Estero, Florida. Though he was studying Business Management, FGCU gave him the opportunity to expand on his knowledge/love of the environment! He was really enjoying learning all about the native flora and fauna, alternative energy sources, innovative farming practices, etc. He began realizing more and more each day that he wanted to use his degree to manage his OWN businesses- like a small farm, a local restaurant, and maybe even a band!

She was finishing up her first year of college at Eastern Kentucky University. She knew in her heart that college wasn't for her. She was good at so many things, and passionate about so many topics....how could she choose just one to continue with for the rest of her life? Not to mention that she would be footing the bill if she continued with her Education Degree. During this year of soul-searching, she had come to realize that she was a true "renaissance woman", and that she would spend her life doing creative, meaningful work. She loved to write and research, had a nack for photography, a green thumb, a special connection with kids and animals, and a musical soul!

The couple handled their separation with a lot of maturity and respect for each other. Their love grew deeper, even with hundreds of miles between them! Over the years, they had come to find that they had countless mutual interests and expanding values. They could spend hours talking on the phone or chatting online about anything and everything under the sun. During one of their long phone conversations, Dan mentioned to Monica how amazing it would be if she could move down to Florida...challenge accepted!

After a year of late night long distance phone calls, road trips, and way too many goodbyes; Monica packed her Chevy Malibu to the brim and made the 18 hour drive to Estero, Florida to reunite with the love of her life.

 And the rest is history...............

They spent the next 10 years learning more about each other, going on adventures, being silly & free, having deep conversations with lots of "me too!" moments, adopting furbabies, moving from the city to the country and back to Ohio and then back to Florida again, experiencing crazy synchronicities, growing together and falling deeper in love than they ever thought possbile. "Got your back kind of love!" The universe is really rooting for these two. The bond that they share is an unbreakable one. They are two, but they have one heart. Their love for one another is fierce & unconditional. They are best friends and they "know each other to the core - SO THANKFUL"!!!!