Richard Wayne Cheatham

I just realized all of the sudden that I haven't made much mention of my better half, Richard. He's the love of my life and the best father in the world. We've had 6 amazing children together and have been married for 24 years.

I met Rich in October of 1983. I was waiting tables at a restaurant he used to come to all the time with his buddies. I thought he was the cutest boy I'd ever laid eyes on. He had an adorable boyish charm and looked far younger than 21. I was only 19 at the time and hadn't dated many other boys. After the third or fourth time in the restaurant he left his phone number on a piece of paper as he left. I refused to call him. That would just be too forward but I wanted to so bad.

I didn't see him for awhile and thought I'd missed my chance when he came back in. He asked how come I hadn't called him and I pretended that I didn't even know what he was talking about. He asked for my number and I gave it to him. I just remember that I thought I was going to pass out or he could tell that I was completely in love. He called me that night. We dated for a year and then he asked me if I would marry him. Of course I said yes. We got married on November 1, 1985. I love him more today than I did in the beginning.

Rich has worked himself to death for his family. His family has always came first and he has always taken great care of us. We have a pretty traditional marriage. I take care of the home and he goes off to work every morning at the crack of dawn. I've had several jobs throughout the years but only part time. We wanted to look after our kids ourselves and not have to rely on babysitters and daycares. It's worked out well. We eat dinner together and talk about our days every night when Rich gets home.

I think Ronald is most like his father. He has a very strong set of values. Billy gets his work ethic from his father and Roger gets his stubbornness from his father. Rich has taken every one of our boys out hunting and fishing and has taught them all how to be great men. I'm not worried about a thing when it comes to them growing up and taking care of their own familes.

Richard, honey, I love you so much. Forever and ever.