Meet Eric and Susan

Married 13yrs

How and where did you meet?

We we’re both students, platonic roommates and good friends at Howard University. Once we discovered that our relationship was changing, Susan decided to move out so the relationship could go further.

Share something that you admire about each other:

Eric: I admire Susan’s selflessness. She puts herself before others.

Susan: I admire Eric’s determined mind. If he sees something, he is determined to go get it no matter what.

Share a challenge in your marriage that you have overcome together and how you overcame it:

We almost didn’t make it. Winter of 2008, we separated. It was the worst season of our relationship. Everyday of that season seemed and felt like hell on earth.  Eric: Susan had every reason to leave me, and I thought that she would; however, we were both determined that God hated divorced, and we didn’t want to disobey God. So we stuck through it.

With hours and hours of uncomfortable conversations, attempting to find understanding and a reason (beyond the kids) to make it work. Today, five years later (after separating), we’re closer than we’ve ever been.

After you have overcome the situation, how has it made your marriage stronger?

We are more intimate. Emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Eric: I don’t have to feel like I have to be perfect for her to accept me. Susan: I don’t have to feel the pressure that I have to do everything right. We’re stronger because a storm could have destroyed us, but we survived…together. 

Share a funny or interesting story.

Eric: Susan was just coming back from a weekend getaway. I was alone with all 5 of our kids (yes FIVE) and she was away. She was reluctant to get a way because she feared the house would be chaotic upon her return. I fought hard to keep the house as decent as I could…and I wanted her return to be special. I wanted her to know I missed her. 

So I got a sheet of paper and took it with me to the airport, and stood at the place where valet would wait for people coming off a flight…and I held the paper up. When she saw it, she blushed and smiled, and people all around us seemed to be encouraged by the demonstration of love we displayed publicly at the airport. One guy said he was going to steal my move.

The paper simply said, ”My gift from God”. Although I sincerely meant it as a way to bless my wife, others received a gift and realized that marriage can still be beautiful.