This is a story of two Parkville Rotarians, Dr. Steve Bleish, DVM & Edie Hays, a retired bank manager. They met when Edie joined Rotary in 2004. Through the years they attended many meetings & Rotary functions becoming Rotary friends. Steve also became Edie’s family veterinarian. 

In February 2022, Edie’s husband, Kim passed away. Steve's wife, Mary Ann, passed away in March 2022. For the past 2 years Kim was on hemodialysis & Mary Ann struggled with pancreatic cancer.
They reached out to each other to give their condolences and to check in on each other. They met to talk, went on hikes, and talked on the phone. They helped each other work through the grief and to learn how to navigate their new lives without their spouses of over 40 years.

Time passed and things progressed. They started dating. They enjoyed time together at Royals games, Mexican restaurants, long walks on Line Creek Trail with their dogs, and especially, dancing in the kitchen! That last one melted Edie’s heart & swept her right off of her feet! All of this kept secret from their fellow Parkville Rotarians!

They could see God's hand all through their relationship and how He had guided them to this point. They were officially engaged July 27th and will be married on New Year’s Eve of this year.

Edie and Steve are grateful for their Rotary friendship that allowed them to initially reach out to each other bringing them to a wonderful new beginning.