Kismet

Gina and Frank McHale

-- “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”

"Our relationship while serious when needs to be - is like a sitcom living day by day. We bought the house next to his parents so everyone jokes that we are like “Everybody Loves Raymond”."

"Our Marriage was May 15th 2021. We took a chance at an outdoor ceremony and I’m so glad we did. We got married at the Links at Hiawatha Landing. We couldn’t have bought a better day. The sky was beautiful, it was partly cloudy and about 70 degrees. It was a blessing."

"So when did this relationship start...

....We met on the playground at Blessed Sacrament at the ripe old age of 4 years. Years later, when Frank and I started dating we were not looking for anything in a partner. There were no expectations which is what I think made our relationship flourish. We had mutual friends and the first date we actually went on was in our adult lives to Skate Estate! We both had a blast and no one broke any bones. We were in love long before it. We had a great time, just like kids, ate horrible pizza, drank flat soda and rollerbladed and played laser tag. Dating always felt very comfortable. I know it’s not a common adjective when you think of dating. We had pretty much grown up together. While not true “High School Sweethearts” it was our own rendition."

"We dated for 2 years before we moved in together - 5 years before he proposed…..

....We were on vacation in the Adirondack Mountains. Frank and I were going to go fishing and it rained for about an hour after we got to the boat dock. He was very persistent that he wanted to fish this specific lake and we NEEDED to wait out the rain. This would have been the first time that I had been in a kayak since having several near death experiences. Nevertheless, we waited out the storm and happily fished for about an hour or so. He pulled his Kayak next to mine (Mostly because I was frozen in fear, and didn’t move much) and put his oar across both of our kayaks. I immediately began to panic thinking he was going to flip me over and create another life or death experience, he pulled a beautiful black diamond ring out of the box and asked me to marry him. Quite the romantic he is."

"We each knew we were meant to be together because neither of us are willing to give up on each other. One always sets the bar higher for the other person. We strive to help each other meet and exceed goals, and that has never changed. Maybe because we’re very competitive, but I think it’s because we were made for each other."

"Frank and I have always shared mutual interests. We very much enjoy the outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking with the dogs, rescuing animals, and fighting fires. We are both Volunteer firefighters for the Town of Binghamton Volunteer Fire Company. He’s currently a recruit for the City of Binghamton Fire Company. We both also rescue any animal in need. We currently have 3 dogs, 3 cats, 3 birds, 8 chickens, fish and a bearded dragon. Our house has been dubbed “ The island of misfit toys” taking in injured, unwanted, neglected, or behaviorally challenged animals. Frank and I have always made room any time of the day, any day of the year for someone or something in need."

~Thank you Gina and Frank for sharing your wonderful story with us. I can think of no better ending to this article than.... And They Lived Happily Ever After.