My wife Tatiana and I have a true love story. She was my sister’s best friend in middle school and became part of the family long before we started dating. We always flirted and stayed close, but life took us in different directions. When she moved back home, we picked up right where we left off. Since 2010, we’ve been inseparable. Sixteen years, five amazing kids, and three grandkids later, she’s still my best friend, my greatest blessing, and my favorite person.

My favorite memory is when we made the decision to adopt our last two children. We already had 3 biological children, but my niece and nephew needed a loving home, I knew they belonged with us. Without hesitation, Tatiana showed incredible love, support, and compassion. Together, we opened our hearts and our home, knowing it was the right thing to do. That moment didn’t just grow our family it completed it. We went to a family of 7 and now a beautiful family of 11,it’s a decision we’ll cherish.

If we won $20,000, we would put it toward our dream of building a family compound on our land. Over the past 16 years, we’ve built a beautiful life together with 5 children and 3 grandchildren. Our vision is to create a place where our family can always stay connected, support one another, and make lifelong memories. For us, family is everything, and this would help us keep the people we love closest to our hearts—and within arm’s reach.