Our courtship started with a bang – quite literally! On our first real
date, about thirty minutes after I (Dan) picked Shelayn up at the
airport, we were rear ended on an exit ramp. The rest of the date
transpired in an ambulance and emergency room, so we could be sure
Shealyn was okay.
She was okay, thank God; and in the process,
we learned a lot about each other under stress! I was so impressed with
how calm and faith-centered she was through the entire thing. She was
impressed with my composure, and with how I was her advocate in the ER.
She was in no position to do this for herself, as she was strapped to a
backboard! Somehow, in the process, the nurse labeled me as Shealyn’s
‘significant other...’ and the rest is history.
How we met
online is not quite so dramatic, but telling nonetheless. Out of the
blue, I asked her to chat on CM one evening, without any prior
introduction. She replied to me: “Hold on! Let me read about you
first.” I am so thankful she did! Her kind and gracious manner in
handling my invitation told me a lot about Shealyn. After a
long-distance courtship (Atlanta/Virginia) of about five months,
including a lot of prayer time in discerning God’s will for us, we were
engaged on March 22. After evening Mass on that day, I led Shealyn over
to a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes and proposed to her there on one
knee. What better way to start the path to marriage than with the help
of Mary?
Shealyn is a teacher of theology and a woman devoted to
the Church. I have really grown in my faith as a result of her presence
in my life, and I know I will continue to do so. After our wedding in
Atlanta in August, we will reside in Virginia. We are greatly indebted
to Catholic Match for providing a way for us to meet each other. God
bless all of you who are still seeking your partner! “Do not be
afraid!” (JP II) You are in our prayers.
