When Teresa’s friend found out about her new relationship, she reported it to their parish priest!
She had heard that Teresa was dating someone she had met online...an ax-toting Texan who liked to roam alone in the woods! So, she was naturally concerned and mentioned it to their pastor. When Dave arrived at the parish in Florida, the priest immediately asked Dave to join him in his office so he could determine if this man was a potential ax murderer! Apparently, Teresa was a good judge of character though, as this same priest would eventually marry them.
Both Teresa and Dave had previously been married and had gone through a breach of form and annulment respectively.
Teresa joined CatholicMatch because “I absolutely did not want anyone who did not share my faith. I met some wonderful Catholic men, but none seemed to be the person to spend a lifetime with.” Teresa was on the site for about three years when Dave made contact with her. Dave was on the site for five months when he found Teresa. “I was very open to socializing again after going through almost two years of divorce and annulment,” he states. “My first attraction (to Teresa) was our devout Catholic faith, and it is still our strongest attraction. We also share a love of music, frugality in our lives, devotion, honor, and love. And good food. Teresa is a great cook!” Dave laughs.
The couple communicated with each other for close to three months before they met in person.
Dave flew to Florida, but his excitement quickly turned to anxiety when he discovered Teresa was not at the airport to pick him up. “I waited twenty minutes until she called and said she had left her headlights on and was getting a jump from her neighbor to get her car started!” After spending a few days together, they knew they wanted to see more of each other, and a few weeks later, Teresa flew to Texas to roam the woods with Dave.
And, it was just a few months later that Dave proposed in those same woods in front of a statue of Our Lady holding the infant Jesus. “He named the statue ‘Our Lady of the PostOaks’ and brought along a lawn chair,” Teresa smiles. Dave adds, “I didn’t have a ring yet, but I gave her a copy of the Liturgy of the Hours!”
There have been a few challenges along the way, including credit card debt and living in different locations.
“It wasn’t easy for me to leave Texas, but I knew it was best that I relocate,” Dave explains. While Dave had no children, Teresa was raising three children on her own. “We have gotten through everything pretty well by the Grace of God. However, I believe all marriages grow not as much through the fun, easy things, but those that cause challenges.” Teresa comments.
Then, they were married!
Dave and Teresa were married on November 1, 2009, during the 10:30 Sunday Mass of the parish, followed by a reception later that day. There were a number of out-of-town guests, which led to a lot of car swapping and borrowing. “All arrived one way or another to the reception location except for one person--the bride!” Dave recalls. Thankfully, her daughter’s boyfriend made a mad dash back to the house to pick her up.
Marriage has been wonderful, even with some stressors, including living within a budget, working through health issues, and dealing with family and friends who don’t share their faith.
But, the highlights far outweigh the challenges.
“He not only makes sacrifices for me, but he accepted my children and my grandchildren and they love him too,” Teresa says. Dave continues, “Just being there for one another and knowing you can count on one another, especially in these years later in our life. We have our spats and differences, but they pale when compared to the love, faithfulness, and teamwork we share.”
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