Love Grows Where Giving Begins

Like something straight out of a fairytale, their love story began with a simple moment and turned into a “forever.”

Sandra’s journey to this chapter of love carries both loss and resilience. She was married for 12 years before losing her husband on Good Friday in 1978. It was a season marked by deep grief, but her story didn’t end there. Sometimes, the most meaningful love stories are the ones that find us again, when we least expect them.

Sandra, who wasn’t living in one of Evergreen’s community homes at the time, had a friend set her up on a blind date with a gentleman who was. 

When Sandra walked into the coffee shop for her special date, she went straight to Charles and asked, “Is this seat taken?” With a warm smile, he replied, “It’s all yours, honey.”

From that moment on, their story was set in motion, one filled with laughter, companionship, and a love that continues to grow stronger with time.

They’ve now been married nearly 11 years this June, building a relationship grounded in kindness, patience, and joy.

Today, Charles and Sandra share a beautiful life at Evergreen’s Meadow Lane community home in Texarkana. They share the master bedroom, but more importantly, they share a deep sense of belonging. Their days are filled with meaningful routines at day habilitation, and their evenings often include one of their favorite traditions: dancing side by side every Thursday night at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Their life together is made up of the moments that matter most, going on dates, watching movies, sharing laughter, and simply being side by side.

When asked what makes a happy marriage, their answers are sincere. Charles says, “Be good to each other.” Sandra adds, “Be happy together… don’t fuss. Be a lover, not a fighter.”

And when they talk about what love truly means, you can feel it in every word.
Charles, visibly emotional, shares, “Hold onto each other… find a good woman that loves you… go places together, and be happy.” Sandra smiles and says, “I found a good man who cares about me, loves me… find someone that cares for you and takes care of you through thick and thin.”