She brought him home to meet her family; the true test to any relationship.

The verdict: they all fell in love with Bill. Her father was so happy that his daughter was able to find someone kind-hearted who makes her laugh.

And then one day Tina received a phone call that would change her life. Her father passed away from a heart attack, in his truck on his way to work. The family was completely devastated and heartbroken. But Tina had Bill by her side; he was her rock through it all. And it was during that dark time that Tine knew she wanted to spend forever with Bill. She was also so grateful that her father had the chance to meet the man she will spend forever with.

“It saddens me that my dad will not get to walk me down the aisle, or dance with me at my wedding, or be there physically through all the times ahead, but I know that he will be there in spirit with me,” said Tina.

A few months after her dad left this earth, it was her parents anniversary, and the first one her mom was going to spend without her husband, her dearest friend, by her side. Bill decided to turn this day, which was going to be very hard for Tina’s mom into one of celebration again. And so he asked Tina, her mom, and sisters to come down to Ocean City, MD for the weekend, and in front of Tina’s family, beside a beautiful serene lake, Bill asked Tina to be his bride. And a day of mourning was redeemed again by love.

None of us are guaranteed a certain amount of days. Tina’s father was getting into his truck, on his way to another day of work. That’s why we let love in, as much as possible. We let love consume us and let it be our guide. Love is everything. And when we find someone who loves us despite our flaws, someone who wants to take our hand and never let go, we hold on, and we cherish and love this person for as many days as we are given.

We can only take love with us. So love, and love, and never stop loving.