Chris and I have spent 32 incredible years together, including 27 years of marriage. Our journey began in Fayetteville during our twenties, a time of growth, discovery, and excitement. We were neighbors, sharing common interests that deepened our connection — music that fueled our souls, and a shared passion for serving others. One of our favorite bands even had a motto, “suck my soul,” which Chris jokingly echoed when he said, “she sucked my soul.”

Throughout these years, we’ve experienced a whirlwind of life together. From the thrill of worldwide travel to the heartache of great losses, our relationship has seen both the highs and the lows. When we exchanged vows 27 years ago, we knew there would be risks and challenges, but we believed that our love, dedication, and commitment could carry us through anything life might throw our way.

We’ve been blessed with two wonderful children, and through life’s unexpected twists, we’ve also been gifted with bonus children — even two we think of as grandchildren. Looking back, we couldn’t have imagined the path our lives would take. There have been extraordinary moments, but there have also been challenges that tested us beyond what we could have foreseen.

Despite the tough times, we’ve navigated these challenges together with as much grace and dignity as we could. Now, as we approach our 27th wedding anniversary, we’re still committed to facing whatever comes next with love, knowledge, and faith. Our love for ourselves, each other, our family, and something greater than us continues to grow. We trust that our love will guide us toward the goodness that life offers.

We continue to believe in love, in all its forms, and in the beauty of facing life’s ups and downs together.