How did your love story begin?

After our spouses passed away, we were introduced my mutual ski racing friends. We cried together and worked on grief together. we roller skied together. Gradually a deep friendship turned to love . From the ashes something beautiful! John's daughters were 9 and 14. I would go and stay with them to help with car pooling and day to day events. Not having children myself, I just loved being a "soccer mom" and going to dance recitals, helping with homework and so much more.

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

We had been together for 11 years before we got married June 18, 2018 in a cabin in Ketchum Idaho with only John’s daughters and future son-in-law there. We had so much fun hiking , laughing, biking and our small , special ceremony . Later that year I adopted the girls at 20 & 26. That year deepened our already cemented bond. It was priceless . We all overcame loss and forged a new and loving family.

What would you do with $20,000?

We run a Nordic ski program for 3rd graders in Cheboygan Michigan. It would be great to get real skis for the kids . My husband is known as “crazy skier guy” by the kids who love him. They are exposed to an activity many had never heard of and they end up loving it . Important in our little town where kids don’t have many opportunities to experience anything like this on their own. Right now our skis don't always fit the kids and fall apart quickly. Would love for them to have good skis!