Connect How did your love story begin?

I first saw Betty on the practice field at Band Camp in 1987. I was immediately smitten. Long story short, due to incredibly low self-esteem I never really spoke up. At the end of my sophomore year (her freshman year) she sent me a note in school saying we couldn't be together and I should date this other girl. I was crushed. Then she disappeared. In the days before social media, that was it. Then, in 2020, my dad died...

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

After we reconnected in 2020, Betty scheduled a phone call with me. I thought she wanted to talk about a book I'd suggested she write. She calls and we spoke for over three hours. It was the easiest I'd ever had. We were wrapping up the call, I realized we hadn't talked "business" at all. I had a thought I was too afraid to ask (but asked anyway): "This kind of felt like a date. Was this a date?" Without skipping a beat Betty replied, "Hell yes it was a date. Are you free next week?" Hell yes!

What would you do with $20,000?

I think we would unburden ourselves, at least some, from the effects of bad choices made in our separate lives (by ourselves and others) so that we can leave a legacy to our kids. Honestly, I just want people to know the story. I was dying before Betty came back into my life. Today I am more alive than I have ever been. I want to honor her by letting people know what she has done, what she means to me, and what an amazing woman she is.