Les and Paula met and became friends in May 2007 which soon developed into a relationship. They both had concerns regarding their relationship and how it would work out to live together as Les owned his home in Sonoma, worked at Friedmans full time(in outdoor lumber sales) and also worked in his own business as a tax consultant with most of his clients in the Sonoma area. Paula meanwhile had 3 daughters from a previous marriage going to school in Elk Grove, and she had a full time teaching job in Sacramento. Despite not knowing exactly how it would work out, they both knew that Les would move to Sacramento to join Paula and the girls. They were sure they could make it work out and they were married in Sonoma in August 2009. Although living apart was difficult, they were very happy. Plans were made to sell or rent the house in Sonoma, but with their conflicting schedules it was hard to get much done. There was also uncertainties with Paula's teaching job, so plans would get put on hold. Time was passing quickly and they still lived apart. In June 2011 he was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) and was put on medications as well as the blood thinner Coumidan. Unfortunately right after the af fib diagnosis, he suffered a blood clot and had to have surgery. After several weeks in the hospital he was able to go home.. however plans were once again stalled with him moving to Sacramento. Life went on...plans made on a future time Les would move to be with his new family. Paula and the girls moved to a tri level home and Les hoped to soon join them as he got things resolved in Sonoma. However things did not work out as they hoped. Les was in pain at Thanksgiving, and no one knew that would be the last holiday that he would be able to walk. He made it back to Sonoma after the holidays, but only for a few days, and after that everything changed. Later his home would be Sacramento, but many things had to change. A new house needed to be found in Sacramento, as the house was a tri level home which didnt work for Les. The Sonoma house had to be left , and he couldnt even get in the home without being carried as it was 18 steps to the front door. So many things to do, so many adjustments to make, and Paula and Les although finally together under one roof, were there under conditions no one ever thought possible and not only had to learn how to live together as a blended family, they also had to learn how to deal with a spinal cord injury.