Length of relationship: It will be 15 years on April 27th – we moved in together 7 years ago.
How they met: At Job One. We were co-workers, then friends. To console Jonathan as he was dealing with a bad break-up, Natalie informed him “If I were with you, I would never treat you like that”. She realized she ‘liked him’. They exchanged phone numbers and during a phone call, Natalie suggested “How would you like to try dating?” Jonathan paused and followed up with an enthusiastic, “Yeah. HECK YEAH!”
First date:
Natalie: We went to the movies. Can’t recall what we saw, but I know we liked it.
Jonathan: I think we went to the movies and to Courthouse Exchange. Another time I made her a candlelit dinner.
How did you handle your relationship at the beginning? We kept it quiet and professional. This is where we work! We would wave and sit together at lunch. We know how to behave appropriately!
Nicknames:
Natalie: We have lots! Sugar-lips, Pumpkin, Sweetheart, Honey, Baby… and if he’s not paying attention, I call him “Johnny”. To that, he always replies with, “Yes, Dear?”
Jonathan: Sugar, Sweetie, Sugar-lips… but when Natalie calls me Johnny, I know I need to pay attention.
What do you like best about one another?
Natalie: “John takes great care of me. He does the laundry and can cook just about anything. My favorite thing is his homemade taco salad, and he is great at making air fried chicken. Whenever I ask to help, he tells me not to worry about it, he will do it. He is always making me laugh, he cracks me up. He says “I love you” a lot. He’s a good guy, I wouldn’t trade him for anything…I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
( Jonathan, we asked Natalie what you cook best. What do you think she replied with? “My homemade taco salad.”)
Jonathan: “EVERYTHING. I love to make her laugh. She can’t get rid of me; I am just dying to marry her.”
Individuals experiencing disabilities, can also experience love. These individuals are capable of love, being loved, and having meaningful relationships. LOVE is for everyone.