Connect How did your love story begin?

We met in high school and I was smitten the moment we met. He was a typical teenage boy and we were back and forth throughout our high school years. When I graduated my mom’s job transferred 8 hours away. So I left and we lost touch. We each married and had families…his marriage ended in divorce and I was widowed very unexpectedly. He happened to see something mentioning me being a widow and reached out to send condolences. I was very surprised to get a message from him but it was like therapy.

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

Our getting engaged after 30 years apart. We bonded over loss…his the loss of a marriage and my tragic loss of a spouse. We just talked through our grief and became best friends. Then we decided to meet up and have dinner. To say I was nervous is an understatement but he made me instantly at ease. We got along so well, it was just very natural. My husband had begged me to find love again…I think he was a gift from God and my late husband. Such a blessing to fall in love with your best friend.

What would you do with $20,000?

We would put it toward buying a home. We live 3.5 hours apart. I am planning on moving to where he is and we need a home to suit us and all of our combined kids..7 total plus 4 dogs and a cat. We need space!! So we would use the money to put towards completing our blessings sent to us from above.