Lauren and Melinda both lived in Las Vegas when they met. Melinda had just come out, and Lauren’s health had recently taken a bad turn. Against the odds, the two hit it off, and they were hooked on each other after a few dates. When Melinda had to leave the city because of family obligations, they continued on as a long-distance couple. Once Lauren visited the rural town where Melinda settled, she decided to trade “the bright lights of Las Vegas for the cows of Lewis County, New York.” Not only did the move strengthen their relationship, which has been going strong for two years, but Lauren’s health problems vanished. The two plan to marry in 2012. “Ours is a full, but cheerful household with our little girl, Lauren’s four cats, Melinda’s golden retriever and a mallard duck we recently rescued. Our house is full of laughs, fur and feathers.”