Connect How did your love story begin?

Right after high school, we met through mutual friends and felt an instant connection. Before a party, I told him there would be some creepy guys there and gave him a code word in case I needed help. When I used it, he didn’t hesitate—he immediately came to my rescue. In that moment, I saw the kind of man he was: protective, dependable, and caring. That’s when I knew he was the one, and the beginning of our forever.

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

While the births of our four children are our most cherished memories, our favorite memory as just the two of us was running the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon together while I was 6½ months pregnant. Despite being an experienced marathoner, he stayed by my side every step of the way, encouraging and motivating me when it got tough. His support helped me cross the finish line and achieve a goal I’ll never forget. That race perfectly reflects our partnership.

What would you do with $20,000?

We would use the $20,000 to create unforgettable memories with our four children through a family vacation. Life is busy with work, ABA therapies, school, and raising a young family, and this would give us the opportunity to spend quality time together and make memories we’ll cherish forever.