The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Heather was amid some major life transitions. New job, new city, recently single, and while riding the tide of new experiences, she signed up for Match.com. This was her first attempt at online dating and she wasn’t sure what to expect.

When using a dating app, she recommends being honest and authentic: “Find out who you are and what you want, then find someone who is compatible with you.”

The dating site was a success. Eric reached out and within a few phone calls it “clicked” for them. They had several similar interests, including financial independence and a love of family and dogs. A few days later they planned to meet in person. Since they lived in different towns, they decided to meet at a no-frills bar, the Outpost, somewhere in the middle.

“When he climbed out of his car…I knew,” Heather said.

They talked all night, sipping soda water until last call.

One year later, as Eric rummaged through his closet looking for items to donate, Heather was growing impatient. They had plans to meet up with his parents and were running behind. Eventually, Eric insisted on dropping off his clothes at the thrift store located in the opposite direction from their destination…but conveniently located next to the Outpost. Heather, still anxious about being late, decided she needed to help speed things along. She hopped out of the car to unload, and as she rounded the end of the car Eric bent down on one knee and proposed. A surprised Heather said “yes” in front of the spot of their very first date.

They planned an intimate, elegant ceremony at San Francisco’s City Hall the following year — morning photos on the pier and brunch with family and friends — and splurged on a trip to Hawaii for their honeymoon. Soon after, Heather’s mom was diagnosed with ALS. Without hesitation, Eric and Heather sold their home and moved in to help care for her mom in her final year before passing. His selflessness to sell their home and care for family meant the world to Heather. One of the things she loves most about her husband is how “considerate he is without effort” and “how he always thinks of their relationship as us, as a team.”

When it was time to start a new chapter and find a home, they looked to Bend, a town where they had always wanted to live. But after having trouble finding a house they loved, they took a side trip to Sisters and fell for the small town. A month before the pandemic and two weeks before their second son was due, they bought their home in Sisters.

Seven years together and three children later, family is still extremely important to them. They wake up early to gather the kids and hike Black Butte or Three Creeks. They’ve joined community gardening and run clubs and spend many days at local parks. And after a long day playing, they enjoy cooking at home as a family.

In June, Heather and Eric celebrate five years of marriage. Honesty is at the core of their relationship, and they still focus on financial independence together. Heather encourages others to find someone who brings out the best in you, just like Eric does for her.

“Get out there and find your person,” she recommends.

Congratulations Heather and Eric on your upcoming anniversary!

Do you have a great story to tell? We would love to hear it! Email Sabrina at [email protected]