Erin Lenz and Michael Barker found each other on a dating app, then talked on the phone for four hours — about their day, their families and what they’d order for a death row meal.
No matter the topic, they felt right with each other, even when Barker revealed a secret over dinner, less than three days after their first conversation in April 2023.
“The one thing that was heavy on my mind was I’m sober, I didn’t drink and at the time, I was living at Hope House,” recalled Barker, 36, referring to the Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.
Inspired by how he faced his challenges, Lenz revealed she was in therapy due to her father’s death and other issues. Barker spoke too of his father’s passing.
“I was really impressed with how vulnerable and emotionally intelligent he was from the on

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