Over the top of a book is how Eric first met Tara,

Unread pages being ignored for good conversation.

Reading is what first brought Tara into his life,

Laughs and smiles is what kept him there.

Over and over Eric returned,

Very slowly growing the seed that would sprout love.

Each new day bringing new reasons to fall just a little bit more.

In the time to follow that love would sprout,

Sending the two onto a converging path.

Friends at the start quickly grew into much more,

Overcoming all the barriers that fell in their way.

Reaching finally till that fateful day,

Entangled too far to ever untwine,

Vowed to never leave her side.

Eric got down onto one knee,

Requesting her hand forevermore.

He wouldn't leave me alone so I gave in.

^ Clearly, this is actually from the viewpoint of Mr. Grotzke. So, I will just briefly set the record straight.

We have a bona fide meet cute. Eric came into our store to read a book... all day. That's it. He came in, bought a book, sat in his chair with a cup of tea, and read all day long. He did this twice a week; obviously, as the responsible proprietor that I am, I introduced myself. The rest is history.

We began a beautiful friendship. He continued to seek the Lord, and he continued to show up every day -- and I don't just mean physically. Eric was there to help with the store, but he also graciously stepped into my and Adele's lives. He showed us, day in and day out, that he was there for the long haul. Through projectile vomit, meltdowns (belonging to both Adele and I), and all of the ups and downs of life, he continues to be a steady presence in our lives. We are so blessed to be able to call him ours.