We met at 14 and became best friends. Through the years, Lamont always checked on me. He would call out of the blue every 2 years. One day, we were both single—and that call turned into a love story no one could write. He married me and my 4 kids, giving each one a ring at our wedding. There wasn’t a dry eye in the church. We added 2 more kids, and now we’re a perfectly blended family of 8. Through love, friendship, and faith, we built a life we never imagined—but always hoped for.

My favorite memory isn’t a vacation or celebration—it’s when I was in the hospital for over a month, organs failing, and Lamont never left my side. He worked all day, then came back each night to sleep in a chair and hold my hand. He made sure I never felt alone. When you have a partner that will set aside selfishness and be there for you…that’s winning! When I came home in a wheelchair, he became my strength, my hope, and my reason to fight. I got stronger and so did our relationship.

I would get Lamont the truck that he has always wanted. He deserves the world!