It all started at Winking Lizard. They decided to meet for a quick drink before Jenna had plans to meet up with friends that evening on October 23. A few hours later of chatting and laughing Jenna never made to the house party - in fact, the evening concluded when the restaurant politely informed them that it was closing time. So what started as a drink turned into a six hour date. Oops!


Nevertheless, their work and life schedules were the polar opposite. When Chris had his kids, Jenna didn’t and visa versa. So, they kept it casual for the next few months with short meetups at places like Target, Giant Eagle, and sometimes Chris would stop by the gym after Jenna was done coaching her Thursday night CrossFit class.


Their next “real date” was at Triv’s in Strongsville. The evening was cool and they sat on the patio, enjoyed red wine and talked about what life had to offer. As they left the restaurant to part ways Chris was satisfied with a hug and peck on the cheek but Jenna said “nah you can do better than that.” And they shared their first kiss.


In late winter/early spring heavy snow forced a calamity day and Jenna’s kids were home from school. Chris offered to come by and plow the driveway, in his generous style. Hesitant at first, not sure if it was the right time to meet her kids, Chris reassured her he didn’t have to meet them but alas, Jackson (then 13 and Mila 12) were outside playing in the snow. As Chris walked up the drive he said “hi. You must be Jackson.” To which Mila replied “No, I am Mila.” We all had a laugh about it.


In April, Jenna planned a trip to Breckenridge, Colorado (her favorite mountain town) and took Chris to her special locations. Chris had never been to the West nor Colorado. The trip went better than expected and the couple realized that there was a real connection.


Memorial weekend Jenna spent the holiday with Chris's family at the Lakehouse and had a blast getting to know everyone as well as spending time out on the pontoon boat!


Again, that summer Chris found his way out West, this time in Wyoming where Jenna’s sister Jamie lives. Jenna wanted Chris to meet her family. Chris fit right in and they enjoyed boating, fireworks, relaxing porch sits and those beautiful views of the Big Horn Mountains. Tre and Jamie took them off-roading and Jenna loved seeing Chris experience something reminiscent of her childhood.


By the next fall they were fully aware this was a friendship that both were fully invested in, loyal to, and excited to see how it would develop. The two families had aligned their schedules. They merged for breakfast dinners and family games. Chris attended Jenna’s kids school events and Jenna likewise.


Around Christmas, Chris surprised Jenna when he casually mentioned living together after spending a weekend happily doing life because he hated their departures- he said it jokingly but was deeply sincere when he mentioned it a few more times thereafter.


After careful consideration she agreed after consulting with Faith mentors. And within a few weeks Chris drafted plans to finish his basement and the two set out on their biggest adventure yet- finishing and reorganizing Chris's house to make it a home for Jenna and her children to move in. After four long months of evenings spent painting, framing, drywalling, installing doors and electricity and with the support of their family and friends, miraculously, they finished barely in time for Jenna to move in before her lease was up on Memorial Day. A few weeks later in June of 2023 they enjoyed their first vacation at Holden Beach as a blended group! The teenagers came up with the name the Jawatski's to establish a new wifi username. Chris and Jenna were amused.


The following year seemed to pass in a blur of many happy days and navigating a new normal for the hybrid family. Not without consideration of each individuals needs, the couple achieved an entire year without a single huge quarrel between the teenagers- although they speak their mind, the kids have actually got along ok well, despite food disappearing like racoons were raiding the pantry every night at 2am.


Even with the chaotic schedules of eight people in a home, Chris and Jenna have done a good job of carving out quality time together doing things like golf, taking a cooking class, random dances in the living room, attending sporting events which they both love, doing vigorous workouts together, and simply cuddling watching sports or movies on the sofa it has been a journey. Both would say with deep sincereity they are so blessed with the path they have chosen to walk together to work and play every day to enhance their friendship, communication, partnership and love.


One of Jenna’s most memorable moments was one autumn day when Chris came over to hangout they spent most the day working on a puzzle, listening to Jazz, drinking coffee and later, she made her favorite bruschetta & a small charcuterie spread for them to munch on while watching a Christmas movie. She realized that night after Chris went home she really loved him for so many reasons; whether it was hard things like out running kids to practices everywhere, aligning their chaotic schedules or saying “goodnight” at their own homes - or easier things like fun date nights, family gatherings for holidays --their time spent together felt organic, natural and also, was so meaningful. She couldn't wait to see him again. Jack said it perfectly “you and Chris are great together because you’re both sorta weird in different ways but you balance each other out.” ❤️