''I would recognize you in total darkness, were you mute and I deaf. I would recognize you in another lifetime entirely, in different bodies, different times. And I would love you in all of this, until the very last star in the sky burnt out into oblivion''. - Achilles

It's no shock for those that know them, Gabrielle and Thomas are each others 'Achilles Heal'. We've all been to the movies. But these two really encompass a love story for all to be touched by. They both have overcame adversity in the face of overwhelming odds, experienced their fair share of relationship trauma, and persevered through some of life's toughest battles. Who knew it would all lead them to each other, and a life beyond their wildest dreams.

George Washington once said, "True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled to the appellation." The shocks of adversity manifested themselves in both Gabrielle and Thomas' life in ways hitherto undreamt of. As you will read in Gabrielle's story, she embodies the true nature of an independent strong woman. With the catalyst of medical and physical obstacles that don't hold her back, to the personification of a heart of gold, the characteristics she exhibits were enough to capture an almost "love at first sight" from Tommy.

Shifting gears, Tommy's rebellious and damaged nature struck an interest to Gabi's intuitive abilities. While the world might have seen Thomas in another light, Gabi's eyes brought forth the light they would both come to see in each other. It isn't easy to strike gold in online dating. It isn't anything short of a miracle to tell you today that this magnetic charismatic couple met on TINDER! However I proudly prescribe to you today, a story that dictates the age old philosophy, that we cannot judge a person by their online dating profile.

There is much work to be done to sustain a companionship fit for forever. With no holds bared, these two saw each other at their cores and stopped at nothing to illuminate their heart within, not for themselves, but for each other. To help serve as a union under God, for community, family, and others, Gabrielle and Thomas are no doubt an asset to any community, how glad we are to have them as a part of ours. The beauty of their story stretched out reaches further than the stars, as does their potential. And trust me when I tell you, we will be watching closely, and hoping to embody the love, loyalty, and passion that these two have inspired, not only in us, but all those they come in to contact with on a daily basis.

With love and hope, courage in the face of fear, and prayers of levity and lasting romance, congratulations Gabrielle and Thomas!

Our favorite couple of 2024!

FROM TOMMY's DAD:

Tom is a very athletic young man who cannot resist playing any sport or any game. One trip to Hawaii I snapped a picture of Tom doing a head stand while surfing. He particularly excelled at soccer. Sometimes playing with fractured bones. Always the social butterfly and quite the comedian. His mom and I have been amazed that he could be known by his first name by everyone, whether it was daycare or vacation, or on the soccer fields.

I remember a trip for a soccer tournament in Tampa. We decided to go to Busch Gardens. One of rides we took was the animal bus safari. When we got on the bus the driver and Tom seemed to have a connection and before the end of the safari tour Tom and the driver were like a comedy act and had everyone in stitches. We were not sure whether he had made arrangements ahead of time with the driver of the safari bus. He has always possessed that outgoing personality. I don't think his Mom and I have taken him anywhere he has not met a new friend. Anyone we cross paths with us from the past remembers Tommy.

I believe Tom possesses the ability to be a great husband and father someday. Because of his outgoing personality I am looking forward to what the future holds for Tom and the new Mrs Glenn . I know when I think about Tom I have been proud of his grit, courage, and his spiritualism. It has inspired me. Getting married is a big step one that requires a strong commitment, compassion, compromise and a sense of humor. If you love Gabi as much as I love your mom you will have great memories and will wonder how the time has passed so fast.

FROM TOMMY's MOM:

Tommy, Tommy, TOMMY!! These three words permeated the air as Tom grew up. Tom was a very busy, happy guy who had no idea what the word walk meant. This trait made a natural transition to sports-especially soccer that would take him as far West as Springfield, Missouri, as far East as England, as far North as Dekalb, Illinois at NIU, as far South as Tampa.

Despite time consumed by school and sports, Tom always managed to have time to aggravate his older sister and brother. Tom has brought much love, fun and joy, peppered with stress, worry, and grey hair. Now he and Gabi embark on a lifetime adventure. We are excited for them.

FROM GABI’s DAD:

Gabi, my oldest daughter, has always been smart, had the best smile that can light up a room, and has always been independent. Growing up, she was always active, though not one full of grace. She was one that needed a plastic bubble around her to keep her safe whether it was from crashing ATVs, being hurt while cheerleading (I still find it strange that she was a base) or just falling and busting open her head on a step, she seemed to always be at the doctors or hospital. Regardless of what physical injury she had, she never let it slow her down. Even today, she pushes through daily after 4 back surgeries even though she wakes up every morning in pain and discomfort. There is no doubt that she is very resilient.

Gabi is also blessed with an incredible gift of gab (yes, Terri and I have joked countless times that we should have named her Angel or some other name so she would not have “lived up to her Gabi name”). Being able to make friends in any situation allowed her to be comfortable no matter where she found herself. This gift led to meeting new people, making new friends, and having unique and different experiences that she would have never had otherwise. She certainly did not take after Terri or I (both introverts), but it may have come from my father, JD. He had the same gift of gab and it brings joy to those she interacts with as they feel more comfortable just being around her.


Gabi has been through a lot in her life, but each year, she has continued to blossom into a wonderful woman. Her high school years were the worst, though she did get her CNA during that turbulent time, that we just tried to survive. Things changed after HS and community college when she moved out to go to college in Towson. It seemed that the true independence of living away from home gave her the confidence that she could do anything. Obtaining her BS in Psychology, she achieved her initial goal that has led her on the path to helping others. Though not a finished story by any stretch, she has certainly learned that her passion lies in helping others that need it. As her father, being able to watch, year by year, her grow and mature into a loving and caring woman has given me a great satisfaction and feeling that we must have done something right in raising her (though we weren’t so sure during her high school years!).


They say that being forged by the fire makes iron stronger, and Gabi has certainly been through the fire and challenged in so many ways and is absolutely stronger for it. Physically, she has been asked to endure more than most could handle, but she does so daily. Emotionally, she has been through a lot as well, having had to deal with giving her heart to some only to be betrayed, losing loved ones (her grandmother Pat and sister Becca) and feeling abandoned while her sister dealt with her own medical issues. Gabi pushed through it all, eventually starting a new life in Florida only to find the man of her dreams in Tommy. It seems a happy ending in is within her reach and I couldn’t be happier for her.


Now a few words to Gabi, I am so very proud of you. You have shown your ability to love, which in the end, may be the most important trait one can have. You are a responsible mom to a zoo of animals and will certainly be a great mother of your own one day. I also have to congratulate you on meeting my goals for you (graduating college and the other one 😊). You are still young and now that you have found Tommy, you are on the path for a fantastic life, just like your Mom and I have had. We will always be here for you (heaven knows you are getting your fill of Mom with her help with the wedding) and look forward to the new exciting adventures that await you in the coming years. I love you and appreciate the wonderful person you have become.

Love,
Dad









FROM GABI’s MOM:

Gabi-Goo, my first born, you will forever be my baby girl. You have brought so much joy and excitement into our lives. Dad and I are truly blessed and thankful to be able to call you our daughter. Watching you grow through the years has been amazing, challenging, and stressful, but it's what has made you who you are today. From all your cheerleading practices, hospital visits for broken bones and injuries, and car accidents you have kept us on our toes. I Still think we should have bubble wrapped you like everyone suggested. If I could go back in time and change one thing it would be to make your life less stressful and take some of the weight off your shoulders, you grew up to quickly. We love you somuch and are so proud of the beautiful, caring, smart, giving young woman that you have turned into. I'm sure Becca and Grandmom are looking down on you and beaming with joy from what you have become. Tommy is one lucky soul to have been able to capture your loving heart the way he has. We love you both and look forward to an exciting journey into the next best chapters of your life.

Love, 
Mom