35 years ago, a young girl walked into a party not knowing that she was about to meet the man she would marry and raise two beautiful girls with.

It was a whirlwind romance, and we never looked back. We were moving fast and the adults around us worried that we were too young. When we decided to get married we were met with concern and redirection. It was not the excitement we hoped for. With a lot of push back we were left feeling defeated but wanted to push on. This is where the idea emerged. “Let’s move on in secret”. We called our best friends and formulated a plan to elope.

With little to no money we gathered our best outfits and met with a local judge in the living room of his home. There were no pictures, cake, or loved ones but our love for each other was more than enough. We said our vows, signed papers, and went to dinner at our favorite spot, Pizza Hut, a table for 4. It wasn’t the kind of day that most dream of, it was our day, we did it our way.

Days, weeks, and months passed and Carol found it more and more difficult to tell her secret to her parents. It wasn’t until their first daughter was born that the secret was revealed. Her parents were disappointed to say the least. It took several years to smooth things out but over time it became a funny story and a laugh to share.

Somehow at such a young age we understood the profound love that we shared, a once in a lifetime kind of love. Two soulmates happened to cross paths that one St. Patrick’s day and the energy that drew us together was unbreakable.

Was it easy, NO

Was it worth it, YES

Albert worked as many jobs as he could fit in while going to college. Carol worked part time and managed the girls until it was her turn to go to college. There were long nights of typing papers and studying for exams. Still to this day the lack of sleep defies sustainability but somehow, we did it.

Slowly our lives improved, first we had jobs and then careers. Year over year we kept moving and supporting each other. All of this would have been impossible without the love and support we gave each other.

We have had our ups and downs but through it all we have had each other.

How lucky could we be? We hit the lottery when we found each other. He saved me and I saved him.

I gave him purpose and direction.

He gave me safety, and security.

He showed me a way to live that I had not known. He is not just my husband he is my home, my rest, my heart, and my safe place.

Loved you then, Love you still.

Always have, Always will.

We look forward to cerebrating with you. We appreciate the love and support you have shown us along the way.