How we met...

Patrick and I met in a strange situation.  My boyfriend (at the time) and I were looking at an apartment for rent.  We moved into the apartment and shortly after we moved in, Patrick came to look at the apartment next door.  I knew Patrick liked me when he asked if I was single and other questions, but I had to tell him I had a boyfriend.  We became friends and neighbors.  I went into the US Army and Patrick and I lost contact.  A few months after no communication with each other, Patrick called my cell phone and left a message for my mom to call him on his new telephone number.  We stayed in contact as friends.  In October 2007, he moved to Arizona to help his family.  In February 2008, Patrick asked me to go to Arizona and visit and perhaps look for job opportunities.  In March 2008, I got a job offer and here I am in Arizona!  In June, Patrick went to IL and asked my Dad for his blessing to marry me.  We planned the wedding for June 2009 but with the wonderful news that my Dad, Mom, and Brother are coming to Arizona for Thanksgiving, we are having our small family wedding here in Arizona on November 29^th, 2008.

Message from Becca S on 9/28/2008:
   Exciting times!!!!! Cool beans!

Message from Kelly K on 9/29/2008:
   Congratulations! I am so happy for you.

Message from MOM on 10/1/2008:
   I am proud and so blessed to have you for a daughter. I pray your special day will be one you will cherish for the rest of your life. God Bless you both in all you do and remember, never go to bed mad at each other. Mom

Message from Mabel A. McDaniel Gentry on 10/2/2008:
   As Patrick's Grandmother, I would like to wish Patrick and Erika as much happiness as I experienced in the 54 years, 3 months and 9 days being married to a wonderful man, Lloyce Homer Gentry. I would also like to tell them what I was told when I announced my forthcoming marriage; "If you will put God first in all you do in your married life, you will never regret your marriage. May God bless you both.

Message from Maggie and Katie Hall on 10/2/2008:
   Congratulations! We wish you both the best of luck in your life together.

Message from Jim Graham on 10/3/2008:
   Congratulations and I wish you all the best life has to offer.

Message from Roy & Nancy on 10/5/2008:
   Congratulations we are so proud of you! We wish you both, all the best! Love you!

Message from Roy,Phyllis & Alesha Shaw on 10/5/2008:
   We are so thrilled for you both. Will mis not being there with you on your special day in person, but will be with you all in heart and spiritually. Good luck and lots of love and happiness on your life together. Love and God Bless, The Shaws

Message from Russ & Carol Klavon on 10/22/2008:
   Our prayers are with you both Erika and Patrick, our best wishes for a great wedding and future for both of you. Sorry we'll be unable to come to the wedding, but our hearts and spirits will ride with your family as they drive out in November. God Blessing to you from Russ and Carol Klavon

Message from Sandy on 10/23/2008:
   Dearest Erika, We have had many ups and downs, these few years, But I want you to know I love you as a daughter still and I truly wish you all the happiness in this world God has created, and may all your life long dreams come true,Patrick and you together forever. May you be blessed with many children and Happiness Always. Love and Hugs Sandy

Message from Anna Fisher (Thomas) on 10/30/2008:
   I am so happy for the two of you. I hope you both have a wonderful wedding and all the happiness in the world. Lots of love, Anna

Message from Jack, Jane, and Jordan on 11/16/2008:
   Congratulations and Best wishes to you both on your upcoming wedding. Remember to always keep God at the center of your marriage and everything else will fall into place as it should. Sending our love to you both, Aunt Jane, Uncle Jack, Cousin Jordan and Cubbie too!!!

Message from Auntie Darla on 1/24/2009:
   I guess the wish is better late than Never. You know good I am with this "techie" stuff. Gods blessing on this marriage. Auntie Darla and Cousin Josh