Their story began in the summer of 1971, right after Joel's sophomore year in high school. Traveling from Miami, FL, to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, for summer vacation, he met Yolette while visiting a family friend. Joel was immediately captivated by her beauty and felt a deep desire to pursue a relationship with her. Their first date was a magical evening at the movies with friends and family, just a short walk from Yolette's home. As they strolled to the theater, an unforgettable and unbreakable romantic bond began to form. After graduating high school, Joel decided to join the US Air Force and longed to marry Yolette so they could travel and start their life together. While in the military, by God's wonderful grace, they got married on December 21, 1974. Since then, God's blessings have filled their lives, gracing them with five loving children, five amazing grandchildren, and many wonderful family and friends.