Connect How did your love story begin?

We met at the pool in the apartment building we both lived in. He left without getting my number but glared in the “New Jersey” way when I walked into his apartment later that night after his roommate invited me to their party, and my Oklahoma roots wouldn’t budge when he told me to take HIS number. A marriage, a precious baby boy, and a divorce later: we’re back and good as gold.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

The day our son was born. Our little guy was 8 lbs 9 oz and I hunkered down and pushed him into this world in under 2 hours. Jay watched, held my hand, only cringed a few times (I think he felt empathy in the same places I did), encouraged me (even when I ensured him “I AM pushing!!!!” with the attitude of a woman in a labor) and when our son was on my chest, we felt the same awe at realizing our hearts just exploded in every best way at the same time. Sharing that moment was unforgettable.

What would you do with $20,000?

We would put that money toward owning a home our wild little man can run free and live up to what his name is: McCoy which means “fire”. Our dream of owning a home would be that much closer, and after Jay’s entire department was laid off at his job and his tenacity for regaining employment, we would have a cushion to try to bring a sibling for McCoy into the world. The only thing holding us back is finances and the money would change everything for us to expand our little family.