Connect How did your love story begin?

We met in our late teens through a mutual friend. The first thing he said was, “One day you’re going to be my wife.” I laughed and didn’t even give him my number. Months later, he said it again, and this time I did. As we dated, we discovered we’d grown up just blocks apart, sharing the same playground and pool without ever meeting. I invited him to my family’s Thanksgiving dinner, and 35 years later, he was right, I’ve been his wife for 26 years.

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

Our favorite memory is celebrating my 50th birthday on Italy’s Amalfi Coast in 2023. It was my dream trip, and he made it happen. We admired the beautiful coastline, laughed nonstop, and simply enjoyed being together. He jumped into the sea, and despite my fear of open water, I surprised us both by jumping in too. We still laugh about that moment and hope to return someday.

What would you do with $20,000?

We’ve called our house home since 2006. While we’ve completed DIY projects over the years, our kitchen is where our family gathers and where our favorite traditions begin. It’s also where our love story came full circle, he fell in love with my Thanksgiving dinner. Winning $20,000 would help us create the warm, updated kitchen we’ve always dreamed of, where we can continue making memories with our children, family, and future grandchildren.