Our love story began on a college soccer field. From day one, her beautiful green eyes had me hooked, and I spent almost two months trying to win her over — even cheering her on while playing against her. She stayed focused on her studies, but whether she grew tired of my antics or charmed by my persistence, she finally agreed to a date. That yes was the start of a love and bond that’s grown exponentially stronger ever since.

My favorite memory as a couple is the day we found out we were going to be parents. We’d been married nearly a year and planned to wait before starting a family — but as life often proves, the best moments aren’t planned. I was getting my gear ready for another fire season when my wife told me she had a gift for me. It was odd, since there was no special occasion. I opened the package to find a vintage pint glass featuring my favorite superhero, The Flash — and inside, a positive pregnancy test.

The 20,000 would go towards debt we have acquired after I was injured at work. A few years of doctor appointments and three surgeries has left us behind on our finances and this would help tremendously. The remainder will go into our four children’s school savings accounts to assist them later in life.