ON the eve of St Valentine’s Day tomorrow, few loved-up couples in Millicent can tell such an amazing story of romance as Jasper Hammat and Michelle Thomas.
Not only did they meet in cyberspace, they have maintained a long-distance romance over the past six years between Jasper’s home in Australia and Michelle’s in the Caribbean.
It is said the path to love is seldom smooth, but Cupid has well and truly worked his magic.
For all but six weeks of their relationship, they have been separated by a distance of 16,000km.
“Michelle is strong, independent and beautiful,” Jasper said.
“I like Jasper’s style and he keeps me on track,” Michelle replied.
Jasper was only 17 years old when their online courtship started in 2014 and Michelle was a year younger.
They met through an internet chat room with Jasper at home in Millicent and Michelle in Puerto Rico.
“We just fell together,” Jasper said.
“We really clicked and we went from there.”
After two years of only communicating through their computers, they finally met face-to-face in 2016.
Jasper spent almost a month in Puerto Rico with the mutual attraction growing ever stronger.
During this brief period together, Jasper popped the question and his offer of marriage was accepted.
To mark the momentous occasion, Jasper presented Michelle with an exquisite sapphire engagement ring.
They were apart for another four years until last week when Michelle arrived in Millicent.
The affectionate couple are delighted to be back in each other’s company as they plan the rest of their lives together.
The next year is mapped out for them as Michelle has a 12-month work visa.
They are soon moving to the city as Jasper will start a media degree at the University of Adelaide.
Michelle has a background in the hospitality industry and hopes to secure similar work.
Jasper is well-known around Millicent as the Gino’s Pizza delivery man, a guitarist with the band Human Garbage and for conducting weekly Information Technology training sessions at the South East Family History Group.
As well as securing work and accommodation in Adelaide, the couple have another important task as the engagement ring has been misplaced and another needs to be purchased.
A romantic evening meal is out of the question tomorrow as Jasper is on pizza delivery duties for several hours from 5pm.
“We might have a special outing after midnight,” Michelle said.
“Or we might take a walk during the day somewhere quiet like in Canunda National Park”.
