Over the course of our seven-year relationship, Chris and I have faced many challenges that young couples don’t typically encounter, however we have always found strength in our love and commitment to each other.

Chris and I met when I was just 15 years old. I never dreamed that I would be lucky enough to find my true soul mate at such a young age. On my 18^th birthday, we got our first apartment together and also found out that I was pregnant. Though we were young and fearful, we were also overjoyed. Shortly thereafter, our household size expanded much more abruptly than we had anticipated. A family crisis resulted in Chris and I obtaining custody of my two younger sisters. As rebellious teenagers, they sure gave us a run for our money, and a year later, the younger of the two announced that she was pregnant.

In October of 2005, two weeks shy of her 15^th birthday, my sister gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Devastatingly, the baby was born with several heart deformities, and by the time she was a year old, had undergone two open-heart surgeries and relied on a pace maker to power her little heart.

Chris and I had become totally overwhelmed. We were now supporting four children with no financial or emotional help from anyone. The frequent doctor appointments and hospitalizations of my niece ultimately caused me to lose my job. Chris and I could barely make ends meet, and we were falling deeper and deeper into debt. As a full time college student, these struggles also affected my schoolwork, and my plummeting grades resulted in the loss of my financial aid.

Through it all, we somehow managed to keep it together. Our relationship was put to the test time and time again, but we always tried to see the light in the darkest of situations. After seven years of hurdling obstacles, our love is stronger than ever, and we are finally able to see our hard work and sacrifices paying off. My sisters have grown into responsible young adults. My son and my niece are happy and healthy, and I am going to graduate from college in May. It is only by the grace of God and the true love and support of such a wonderful man that our family has been a success story.

We took on the weight of the world and gave up our youth in order to give our family the best possible chance of happiness. As a result, our dreams of getting married and having more children had to take a back seat to our other obligations. I don’t regret any of the choices that we have made over the years in regards to my family, but as a result, we are in financial ruins. It breaks my heart that I can’t call Chris my husband. Even if we are not chosen for this wonderful opportunity, I want the world to know how much I love and appreciate this man and how blessed I feel to have his love.

Thank you,

Rachel Wright