It was five years ago that Dave and Sue Lendacky arrived at the online shores of Catholic Match. Both were committed to finding a spouse who shared their faith. Sue had previously tested the waters of other online venues, and found them wanting. A particular experience with speed dating, left a lasting impression—“I wouldn’t wish it on anyone”, she said with a laugh. Dave arrived with a deep commitment of purpose. His first marriage was to a non-Catholic, and this time around he wanted someone who shared his faith. “I wanted someone to go to church with, I was looking for that bond.”
Both were optimistic about the possibilities afforded to them online. “In a bar scene, you don’t what their intent is, Dave said, referring to the prospects one meets in that venue. “You don’t know if they want a serious relationship. Here online, you have that commonality.” However, he did not have any particular expectations from his participation on Catholic Match. It was simply another venue for the arena of romance to play out. Conversely, Sue felt things would move quickly in her direction. It took five years, but eventually her optimism was well-grounded.
It was the online version of flirting that brought them together. Dave found Sue’s profile as part of a search. In going through her encounters, Sue noticed him. She clicked his profile back. He responded with an e-mail. It ushered in a three-week period of e-mail exchanges, at times up to fifty a day, and phone conversations that set the stage for their first date.
Distance was an issue for Sue—the hour-plus drive between her Long Island, NY home and Dave’s location in Connecticut was a hurdle for her. Indeed, it was the reason she hadn’t written him upon originally checking his profile. It was less a concern for Dave, and he made the drive to visit her for their first date. “He came to the front door with a box of chocolates and gifts”, Sue delightfully recalled. As the relationship progressed, Sue was able to return the favor. “A couple of times on a Friday night, I’m just lying on the couch, Dave recollected. Then the doorbell rings, and there she is for a surprise visit.”
One challenge the Lendackys had to meet has gone pleasantly smooth. They brought a combined three children into the marriage, and to everyone’s good fortune, they all get along very well and has resulted in a smooth transition. Sue relocated to Connecticut where they have begun their lives together.
Both of them counsel other CM members to practice patience. “It doesn’t happen overnight, Sue advised. And it’s tough when you have kids.” Dave affirmed his wife’s comments—“You need to just hang in there for a while. When I first joined I dated a woman for eight months. After that didn’t work, you just start all over again. It’s going to take time.” Both of the Lendackys were very happy with their experience on Catholic Match throughout the process. Their wedding took place in June. They are glad to have found each other and are excited about starting a new shared family life together.
