Sweet 16 I was and NOT so sweet 16 was he.

We lived one block over from each other. He was this slender, curly haired outgoing kid. I could tell he was trouble. And boy was he!!! All full of himself too.

I was a bit on the shy side (compared to his personality).

I think he thought he could get any girl, I know I was not about to get involved with him. He was not my type by a long shot. I still find it odd I say that when I honestly don't have a specific type as you know from my history lol

So the next couple of years go by and I see him from time to time around the neighborhood as we live so close and have some of the same friends of course that is to be expected.

Now what was NOT expected was for us to connect after 27 years. He had moved to Tennessee right after Highschool. I had a baby and was married at age 19.

Fast forward to January of 2017. Ray had commented on a mutual friends post on FB (YES FB, go figure). The next thing I know is I get an inbox message from him. We start chatting and this goes on for a couple of months. He then asks me if I wanted to go out. I say sure, why not? Well the day comes that we are supposed to go out. I text to confirm and get no response. Yep he blew me off. Next day comes and I'm not sure really what excuse he gave me was, but we continue talking for a few weeks more. We finally end up meeting up and go out (I had to play hard to get for a little while after the 1st incident)

We had a lot of fun. We had our 1st official date out in Montauk Point. We enjoyed an entire day out there.

We then spent a lot of time going there pretty often.

On our 1st anniversary it was a beautiful day so Ray wanted to take a drive out to Montauk. We get there and he says he wants to climb to the top of the lighthouse. He had never been up there before. I tell him "Go ahead, I'll wait right out side for you". He says "what"? "I want you to come up with me". I then say "No it's fine, you go, "I've been up there before and I'm too claustrophobic now."

He goes to the booth and purchases two tickets.

"I guess I have no choice now" I said. We make our way up to the top. Only one person at a time can climb the last ladder (just a few steps) with your body only halfway up inside the very top. I admire the beautiful view, the ocean , the land. As I try to slowly turn my body around so I can walk back down the ladder Ray is at the bottom with an engagement ring in his hand. On our 1st anniversary back at the same spot he pops the question.

Of course I say yes. Now here we are planning our wedding after being together for 8 years we will become husband & wife. Boy has it been a ride. We have had our ups and downs, but we have managed to work hard to try to have a great relationship. As you get older it's very difficult to be in a relationship, We are all set in our own ways and sometimes it's difficult to try to change certain things. Nobody is perfect so we have to remember that. Life is so short and all each of us want is to be happy and find that one person to share and enjoy the rest of your days with. We have both come very far and have went through some tough times. Being able to be there for each other to help one another get through whatever it is at that time is part of building a solid relationship. Being a team and not allowing anyone to come in between you is just one small part of all the challenges there are and will be in every relationship. If you made it this far I apologize for the boring story! We hope you will be with us to support us on our big day! Love to you all. xoxo

Travel

Hyatt Place Long Island/ East End