We have known each other since childhood. In 2000, we connected after we both moved back to our hometown. Unfortunately, I severely hurt my back and, when Mark called for a date and I told him I was injured, he didn’t believe me and thought I just wasn’t interested and moved on. He married, adopted a son and got divorced. In 2017, our paths crossed again. My sister told me to take it slow. I said; “Our 1st kiss was 17 years ago, how much slower do you want me to take it?” We married on 1/1/22.

Mark and I fell in love in the kitchen. On our first evening cooking together, we drank wine and made ham and bean soup. I kept wanting to add more spices, but Mark would tell me to be patient and give the flavors some time to blend together before adding more. It ended up being the best soup I’ve ever had but we will never be able to replicate it because we didn’t follow any recipe, we just made it up as we went. That pretty much sums up our relationship.

Go on our honeymoon. My mom broke her back the day after we got married. In tears, I told Mark I couldn't go and leave my mom. Because I didn't want her to feel worse than she already did, I led her to believe our trip was cancelled due to Covid. Mark had used his miles to upgrade our flights and resort but lost it all when we cancelled. This is the first time I've been married and am disappointed I never got to have a honeymoon and experience and enjoy the perks of being a newlywed.