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."
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.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:28:00 GMT
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:18:53 GMT
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:17 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:17:48 GMT
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24!
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24! The Rock --- who almost never goes by his real name, Dwayne Johnson-- joined Good Day to give us a sneak peek.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:18:11 GMT
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:54 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:54:05 GMT
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank?
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank? We got some tips from an expert.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:21 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:21:44 GMT
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale.
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale. Good Day's Paul Milliken never met a red carpet he didn't like-- so who better to break down the final performances of the season live from downtown L.A. bright and early!
Thursday, May 16 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-16 14:03:48 GMT
In the words of Ryan Seacrest, "It's all come down to this." So who's it gonna be: Candice or Kree? (yep, we know that rhymes)
In the words of Ryan Seacrest, "It's all come down to this." So who's it gonna be: Candice or Kree? (yep, we know that rhymes) Good Day's Karen Graham and 94.9 The Bull's Kristen Gates think they know... and they walked you through it on Thursday morning!
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