Nathan and I will be celebrating our 25th year together on February 18, 2027. In all our years together, we've never been able to take a vacation or celebrate our anniversary. Instead, we've spent our time helping friends and family who needed a lift, raising four children, and supporting nieces, nephews, and even their children. Along the way, we've also had the joy of helping raise our grandson. Giving to others has been a big part of our journey, but it hasn't left much time or money for ourselves.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've dreamed of going on a cruise. I even wanted to be a cruise director as one of my childhood dream jobs, inspired by the 'Love Boat' TV show. Now, as our 25th anniversary approaches, our church is offering a marriage cruise in February 2027—a happy coincidence that feels like fate. It would be our first vacation and our first real anniversary celebration, shared with other couples from our church. The only thing standing in our way is the cost, and the moths in our wallet.

These funds will cover the costs of our travel to Miami, port fees, cruise tickets, activity expenses, and, if we're lucky, a few souvenirs. I can't even begin to tell you how much this would mean to me. We've worked daily for 25 years and often feel like we can't get ahead. To even dream about going on a cruise is more than I feel like I deserve sometimes. If I'm able to go, it will be a memory I cherish for many years to come. Please help make this dream a reality and give us the chance to celebrate our love and hard work with a once-in-a-lifetime anniversary cruise.