Although we grew up in the same vicinity — Uptown, upper Northwest — we were like two flowers planted in separate gardens. Each was rooted in different soil, watered differently, and cared for in its own way. For years, our lives blossomed apart. But 25 years later, God, the Redeemer of Time, saw fit to bring increase. Just as His Word promises in Joel 2:25, “I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten,” He allowed our paths to cross again. What once grew separately began to flourish together — not by chance, but by divine design. Our love is living proof that in God’s perfect season, He redeems the time, restores what was lost, and makes all things beautiful.