VioletSparrow11: That was my Match.com screen name, and this was my profile picture that Ray says just made him want to talk to me.  Luckily, I only had to be VioletSparrow11 for about two weeks before meeting the man that would be mine forever.  We chatted for about two days before Ray confessed he hadn't been out on any other dates and wasn't sure how to handle the date part, but knew we should meet sooner rather than later. Clearly, I agreed...who wouldn't after seeing the photo that he had posted (below)! First date: 12.18.2011.  Fast Eddie's.  Darts and Dos Equis.  LOTS of laughter and genuine ease.  I knew after he walked me to my car, gave me a box of chocolates, a dozen roses, and a Grothaus hug, that I could not wait to see him again.  We've been travelling back and forth from Abilene to San Angelo ever since.  And still, every Monday morning when the work week begins, I know I can't wait to see him again.

WestTexasSunset:  Sadly enough this was the best I could come up with for my Match.com screen name. Looking back I could have made this “our story” more interesting if my screen name was ScreamingEagle27, MagicMike11 or something more exciting. I had the fortune to write my tidbit after Tiffany had written just about everything else and what I find most fascinating is how different our versions of those beautiful beginning moments are… so instead of having a conflicting version I will just say this. If you’re reading this, then you’ve most likely had the opportunity to meet  the Grothaus family and seen just how much we love one another and even more how we enjoy being together. Now this can be very overwhelming to some but Tiffany has not only fit in but has become a part of our family and in June will also carry our name. I never realize how incomplete my life was until she entered it and although the two paths we traveled were so different the only thing that matters is we will travel one path from this point forward. I can’t speak enough to the person her parents raised her to be and just how special all of her family is to me. I look forward to the life we have in front of us and all of the possibilities that lie in wait.