It was June of 2022 when Derek and Lydia met at Berliner field 8. Lydia played left field and Derek was a sub filling in as left center fielder beside Lydia. A fly ball came to left center and Lydia witnessed Derek run full tilt into the fence. Lydia asked Derek if he was ok, Derek was a bit dazed and did not respond and threw the ball in and that was their first interaction. Right after that game they went to field 14. Lydia saw Derek walking in front of him to the field and asked what team he was subbing for. Derek replied with the other team's name and Lydia only replied with "oh." Lydia during the game ran from 1st to 3rd and was thrown out by Derek in the outfield. After the game, Derek waited on Lydia outside of the field, turned around as Lydia was approaching, and gave a smug smile. Derek joked with her as they walked to the parking lot and said good bye.

Lydia was playing at Berliner July 6, 2022 and Derek was suppose to be there playing against her but was unable to make due to work. A line drive was hit in line with the setting sun. Lydia misjudged the ball and dropped her glove as she thought it was dropping but the ball made direct contact to her head. Ambulance was called and Lydia was taken to Grant Hospital. Late that night, Lydia's phone lit up and it was Derek that sent an Instagram message to Lydia that she still describes today as the sweetest message she had received during that time. This was the first time either had a message from each other and despite the severe concussion, is something Lydia has never forgotten. Since that message, Lydia and Derek messaged every day, through Lydia's surgery, recovery, and asked her on a first date August 17th.

Derek helped Lydia with her recovery, the doctor appointments, speech/concussion therapies, and helping her work to gain back her memory, retention, and be able to going back to work. Through the challenges and set backs, Derek would always encourage her and make Lydia smile.

Derek asked Lydia to be his girlfriend October 2, 2022 and proposed to her on February 17, 2024. They go on dates, travel to national parks, MLB ball fields, try new restaurants, enjoy good bourbon, and time spent with friends and family. They enjoyed their time with their loving, ornery dog Toby until he passed September 6, 2024, but Lydia and Derek enjoyed spoiling him with walks, pup cups, cuddles, and giving up all their blankets to him.

Derek and Lydia are excited for their future together and cannot wait to celebrate the day with their closest family and friends!