Connect How did your love story begin?

During our teenage years, Ruben and I dated for 2 months. My first kiss was with him, and now he will be my last. As a single mother, my mother forced me to go out one night. Ruben received a call from his friend asking him to come to where I was at. For hours that night, we talked about the time that had passed by. A week later, he asked me to be his girlfriend, and we moved in two weeks after that. 18 years and we are still going strong with a blended family of 6 children and 8 grandchildren.

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

We have numerous memories to choose from, including trips to Disney and Minnesota, but the day Ruben turned 45 was one of the most treasured shared memories we have. Even though some of the children are located in different states, I was able to work with them to bring them together. It was priceless to see his smile when all of his children arrived. We had the chance to take family pictures because it was the first time they were in the same place.

What would you do with $20,000?

Taking a honeymoon was something we were unable to do when we got married 14 years ago. Over the past 14 years, my husband's health has been the best, and this has led to several surgeries and setbacks. Ruben is a cancer survivor who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, and while he has good days and bad days, he is always a fighter. Given how busy we are and how short life is, we would dedicate time to making more memorable memories and spending time together.