Connect How did your love story begin?

If you ask Eric, our story started in 7th grade when I told him, “I have a man,” and he smiled, “What does your man have to do with me?” Five years later, fate reunited us at the Clinique counter in Governor’s Square Mall. My date had canceled, so I asked Eric to take me to the military ball. He said yes. 28 years, two children, countless storms, and God’s grace, we’re still choosing each other every single day.

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

Our wedding day. Planned in just 3 days, we were late to our own ceremony after committing to Eric’s nephew’s school event. We had to meet the groomsmen at Governor’s Square Mall—no GPS, just pagers and pay phones. I wore my prom dress and Eric wore the suit from our first date, and we married after Bible study using leftover decorations, with Eric almost running over a man on the way. We still laugh so hard thinking about that day.

What would you do with $20,000?

Our wedding was planned in just 3 days. I wore my prom dress, and Eric wore the suit from our first date. It wasn’t the wedding we dreamed of, but it was the start of a beautiful marriage. If we win, we’ll finally celebrate nearly 30 years of love with the vow renewal we’ve postponed while serving our country, raising our family, and helping other couples. We’d also bless couples who can’t afford marriage counseling because healthy marriages change generations.