By Providence and Passion, Bound in Timeless Grace

Gloria and Hugor’s story began on a cold Thanksgiving evening — with a nervous heart on one side and hesitant resistance on the other. Hugor had flown across state lines, determined to meet Gloria, while Gloria needed more than a little convincing (thanks to her aunt) to even step outside. 
 When they finally met, standing outside in the cold — Hugor wearing a jacket far too light for the weather — neither could have imagined how significant that encounter would be. They shared a brief but meaningful conversation. Hugor, despite the cold, stayed composed, and Gloria, despite her initial hesitation, agreed to go on a date with him. 
 The date, however, almost didn’t happen. Hugor was nearly ten minutes late, and Gloria was just minutes away from walking out. Thankfully, he arrived, full of apologies and kindness. From the very start, he carried himself like a gentleman — attentive, thoughtful, and patient — quietly making up for the rocky start. 
 What Gloria didn’t know then was that Hugor had already extended his trip, moving his return flight just for the chance to have that one date with her. And on that date, something special happened. Their conversation flowed effortlessly; their values aligned seamlessly. They laughed, agreed on everything from the simple to the serious, and shared a rare kind of connection that neither could deny. Gloria, both excited and terrified, found herself wondering could this really be my husband?, while Hugor, sitting across from her, quietly knew she was already his wife. 
 Later that evening, when Gloria mentioned her early drive back to Columbus, Hugor called her at 4 a.m. to make sure she arrived safely — staying on the phone with her the entire way. Gloria couldn’t help but think again, this might really be my husband. His attentiveness, care, and genuine heart left an undeniable impression. 
 Since that day, they haven’t stopped speaking. Month after month, Hugor has made it a point to visit Gloria, no matter the distance. Their relationship grew with consistency, faith, and the kind of love that felt both steady and extraordinary. Daily phone calls, long conversations, and shared prayers became the rhythm of their days. Hugor’s character revealed itself more and more — thoughtful, patient, loving, and grounded as a man of God. And in turn, Gloria became his peace and encouragement, as they both learned to love with intention. 
 Before they even crossed into the New Year together, Hugor called and asked Gloria to make a list of things they should pray for as they entered the year side by side. It was in that simple but profound moment that Gloria knew, without a doubt, that their meeting was no coincidence — but Providence. 
 They crossed into 2025 hand in hand and look forward to crossing into every year ahead, together.