It began after meeting as friends in a spousal loss support group for young widows and widowers. We emotionally supported each other during our grief journeys; attending workshops together and even memorials for each others lost spouse. We eventually started to look at each other in a romantic way after we each processed our own loss. Tim had spent a lot of time with my baby boys while our friendship grew. It was a very natural transition for us to take things to the next level.

Our favorite memory as a couple is adoption day! Tim knew he wanted to adopt the boys. He had already been a father to them in all the ways that matter; in the ER at 2am with RSV, caring for them when I was sick and unable to, loving them every day as a dad should and providing for them. He stepped up in a way that most birth fathers don’t even do. Tim’s late wife was unable to have children because of her cervical cancer diagnosis. The boys’ dreams came true on adoption day.

We had a rough year. I broke my kneecap and then during recovery from that, I slipped and broke my fibula and tore my MCL. I was unable to work at my job in the lunchroom at my sons’ elementary school. May 5th Tim had a 4 level spinal fusion and is unable to work until he is fully healed due to the physical nature of his job. We will use the money to catch up and also take the kids on a vacation to Universal Studios! We have been physically unable to take them on fun adventures for so long now.