Where It All Started

It began back when I was just 13 and Richard was 15. Like most teenage romances, it was full of that intense first-love energy—and, of course, the ultimate heartbreak when we went our separate ways.

As the years rolled on, we couldn’t have taken more different paths. Richard was busy living his life and seeing who was out there, while I kept my options open and watched from a safe distance with a healthy dose of skepticism!

Life Happens

Eventually, life took us down two very different, demanding roads. I grew up fast, welcoming my son Rudy into the world at 18. Even though that chapter had its share of challenges, I poured my absolute heart into being a young mom, turning every struggle into a story of dedication and love for my boy.

Meanwhile, Richard's life took some turns he never expected. He faced his own struggles, made mistakes, and went through experiences that changed him along the way. For 30 years, we lived completely separate lives, each going through our own heartaches, relationships, and lessons. Little did we know that through it all, God was preparing us to find our way back to each other

The Plot Twist

Fast forward thirty years. Fate stepped in when Richard ran into my sister and asked about me. When Summer told me he wanted to get in touch, my immediate response was, "Oh no, tell him I am good and I am not trying to talk to any man." Richard would continue here and there to ask my sister about getting in touch with me, and I again said, "No way, tell him I am good, but thank you." Summer brought him up a couple more times after that, and every time I gave her a firm, immediate "no way." This went on for months until Summer finally convinced me to let my guard down and just give him a chance.

Our first date was about as polite and old-school as it gets. When Richard drove me home after dinner, I asked if he wanted to come in for a bit. Walking through the door, we were greeted by Juggernaut, my sweet dog who meant the world to me. Richard got right down on the ground to pet and play with him. Standing there watching them, my heart completely melted. Seeing him with my dog left me with a total soft spot for him. After that sweet moment, we watched a movie, and the date officially ended with a respectful handshake and a pat on the back!

The very next day, Richard asked me out again. I was still a little hesitant, so when the time came, I asked Summer to randomly show up at the date like, "Hey!" I laughed and told her, "Good, you're here just in case he tries to kidnap me!"

With my sister there as backup and the pressure completely off, I finally let my hair down. After a couple of drinks, the tables completely turned. In a hilariously beautiful "hot mess" moment—crooked eyelashes and all—I realized the spark was totally real and just went for it with a kiss. The very next morning, I called Summer in pure excitement: "I really, really like him!"

Our Beautiful, Blended Family

Since that unforgettable night, we have only had eyes for each other. These days, we are focusing on building our life and trying our best to be a good, godly example for our boys. Though Richard didn't have kids of his own, he jumped right into embracing my sons, Rudy and Quentin, along with my cousins' boys, lil Jimmy (aka our Jimbo) and Jayden, whom I completely claim and love just like they're my own. On top of that, we've been blessed with the greatest Daughter-in-law (Cindy Lou ) and two rambunctious grandbabies who are our beautiful little tornadoes, bringing more joy to our hearts than we ever thought possible.

A Promise Kept

Our bond was tested and grew so much deeper recently when we faced one of life’s hardest moments: losing my beautiful mom, Lorraine. Going through that devastating loss together united us in a way words can't even describe. We stood side-by-side, at her bedside during her final days. Richard stayed with her until she took her last breath, reassuring her that he would take care of us.

In the last year of her life, my mom found a powerful, beautiful connection to her faith. Her deepest wish was for us to do the right thing: to marry, commit, and start walking the blessed path she had begun to feel so strongly about. By taking this step and committing our lives to God and each other, we are honoring her legacy and fulfilling the dream she held so close to her heart.

Meant to Be

Three decades apart taught us who we were, but coming back together showed us who we were always meant to be. Today, we can say without a single doubt: we found the absolute loves of our lives and would love nothing more than to share in our joy with the people we find important in our lives. If you are reading this, then that means you are a part of our journey.

CR