How did your love story begin?

Garys wife of 58 years, and my long term partner died within two weeks of each other. A year or so later we were both at an American Legion karaoke evening, singing and downing our sorrows. Gary is 83 and I am 70. Individually, we didn’t expect very much of life, thinking joy and love were things of the past. I had previously noticed him, and he had noticed me, but it took a third party coaxing us to the same table to break the ice. We have been singing and enjoying life together ever since.

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

I (Lois) had spent my life wishing I could have a partner in my life who shared my love of music in general, and singing in particular. Gary sang for 40+ years, and closed every evening by singing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to his wife Shirley. The first time we harmonized on that song, something inside both of us healed. The first time we sang the song for a crowd and received a standing ovation, with people coming up with tears in their eyes, we knew we could make people happy.

What would you do with $20,000?

Since we are both veterans, Gary was a Marine, while I was in the U.S. Navy, and we are both interested in military history, I would like to take Gary to Normandy and to Bastogne in Belgium, where the Battle of the Bulge was fought. I’d like to make a donation to Tunnels to Towers. Also, there is a tour you can take in Nashville where you can cut a song cd while visiting Studio B. Possibly a new little sound system for home so we can practice singing together. What a dream!