Originally we were HS sweethearts for two years who broke up senior year. We both went in different directions for 25 years. Both were going through divorce. Fast forward & Shawn had never been on Facebook. He sent a friend request & we connected. We moved to GA together a few months later. Our first year there was bliss. The next year I started going downhill. I ended up with stage IV cancer & aneurysms on my heart needing open-heart surgery. Shawn was my Angel in Armor is never left my side.

In a 24-hour span of time we went from the beauty of the mountains by the lake, acting like kids getting ice cream. Then, to the beach eating sushi in the car and taking silly photos together on a rooftop with an exquisite sunset in the background. It was pure joy, and we felt like we had been together for years instead of a week. It was like we were in High School again.

We never got to take a honeymoon & would renew our vows on a beach in an intimate setting. My illnesses' (Julia) made it difficult, & we were lucky to even get married in Las Vegas when we did. We would also pay it forward to an adult with cancer. We know the struggle. Finally, we would put some towards a second car as we had had to start over from scratch with all that happened in the last few years & gave up nearly everything other than what fit in our car. Yes, we can stretch a dollar!