Every e-mail sent in for our Good Day love stories was special, but the story of the Ilitzky's was especially heartwarming. Their nearly 30-year marriage is proof of the old saying, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going."
Walking through a busy Marietta square, they look like any other happily married couple. But Richard and Kara Lynn Ilitzky have a story to tell, one that begins with a brash young sailor and a silly USO game.
"All the adults sat in a circle, and you had to walk around the circle and very quickly sit down on someone's lap and look them in the eye and say, 'I love you honey, but I can't make you smile!' And if they smile, they got to get up. It's their turn," said Richard.
Richard ended up in Kara Lynn's lap, and she didn't smile
"This guy is cocky. And I'm not falling prey to him," said Kara Lynn.
It didn't last long. They were married in San Diego 28 years ago. First comes love, then comes marriage, and you know what's next.
"Paul, Garrett, Carson and Josh," said Kara Lynn
Raising four boys is not easy, but the couple's greatest challenge was to come.
"In the last five years my wife's health has declined due to multiple auto immune diseases," said Richard.
This is where their story truly becomes a love story, and the words "through sickness and health" are tested.
"He works a full-time job at one place and on weekends, he sells popcorn and peanuts on street corners so we have money for doctor's appointments and to put groceries on the table. And that's what love is," said Kara Lynn.
It's a love so strong Richard wrote Good Day a letter.
"I was in love from the first moment I was introduced to her...," read Richard. The letter closed with a Valentine wish far sweeter than flowers and chocolates. "...and with love and hope, we will spend another 28 years or more together."
Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water. But before summer gets into full swing, we've got some tips to help you make sure your children stay safe at the pool.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier. TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:46:04 GMT
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS.
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS, so we're spending the week checking in with her on the last minute details of her big day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:32:48 GMT
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there?
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there? Good Day's Paul Milliken-- a self-proclaimed Braves baseball addict-- takes you behind the scenes at the Braves Museum.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:25 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:25:27 GMT
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years.
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years. Twelve Gwinnett County seniors honored with the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship will go to college for free, and five of them are from Mountain View High School.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:55:43 GMT
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day!
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day! FOX Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello thinks you will find these apps useful, and perhaps you'll even save a buck or two!
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
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