2020 brought us a global pandemic, social unrest and a deep political divide. But for Heather Winser, 2020 delivered something positive - she found love during COVID-19.
Heather Winser, a 46-year-old mother of 3, got a surprise on a trip to Florida.
"I saw a gal come out of palm trees shooting with a camera. I thought this must be a resort camera. We can get pictures later. So just smile. And he said no, this is for us. And then I knew when then I saw the rose petals going down to the ocean. It's absolutely a beautiful proposal. I couldn't have done it better myself. And I like to be a perfectionist. So yeah, he did a fantastic job."
Winser is now engaged.
"Dave is probably one of the smartest people I've ever met. He's a partner for his own firm wealth management. He's a financial advisor," Winser says.
We told you about the Waukesha County woman at the start of the pandemic. She volunteered her services to families free of charge. She was available for a host of errands.
"I'm just about 20 or 30 shy of hitting my goal of 200 families within the metro area. Within I would say our six County area and I would travel an hour or two if somebody needed medications or you know just their house cleaned groceries. And just people that they couldn't cook because they're sick or you know, dropping off meals, picking up toiletries, whatever they seem to need, they would send me list. "
Winser worked for free for families she did not even know. She advertised her services on social media even using her own money to pay for groceries.
"I probably had more genuine relationships in the last 10 months than I've had in you know, twice the last 25 years."
And one of those genuine relationships - her fiancé.
"I was just so taken back that I can't believe after you know 14 years of being divorced and trying to find the right person. This is what I want to extend to people if they feel like they've lost hope. I truly wasn't for those looking."
She advises those looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right, don't let hope dim.
The 2020 pandemic has deepened Winser's gratitude.
"I've just grown to appreciate everything that I have. And I want to extend that to other people what I feel, I feel like I'm making a difference."
And maybe there's a lesson for all of us in Heather's story, that perhaps the best way to find that special someone treat everyone as though they are.
"I'm here to you know, pay it forward, be kind, you know, extend all these things that people need at this point they truly need. I truly want to inspire people! 2020 completely changed my life in so many ways. It's a new book."
But Winser's benevolence will not wane when life returns to normal.
"Even after the pandemic, I'm not going to stop helping people."
