You never know where love will find you. It could be on a day when you randomly decide to go for a grocery run or even at a parking lot! More than three decades ago, the love story of Karen and Donnie began in a Taco Bell parking lot. It was located in Deer Park, Texas, but can you imagine falling in love with the person you meet in a parking lot? It happens! It was when Center Street was the go-to place to hang out, and Karen was fond of meeting her friends often, mainly at the same place.
Who knew it would become the place that would change her life forever, where she would meet the love of her life, Donnir. The two built such a powerful bond in a few months that soon they were inseparable, and just like that, in nine months, Karen was walking down the aisle with Donnie. On May 8th, they got married! The place has always been special to the couple, as every time they drove past it, one phrase was a constant, ‘That’s our Taco Bell!’
Karen and Donnie built a beautiful family of four. Every time they said the phrase, their babies were seen rolling their eyes, as they always saw it coming. A few decades later, the restaurant was torn down. It was heartbreaking as the restaurant was a sentimental reminder of the couple’s love and how far they had come together; however, the exciting news was that it would be rebuilt! When Karen heard the news, an idea popped into her mind. Why not get the photoshoot for their 30th anniversary done in the same shop where it all began? Donnie, too, loved the idea!
On May 8th, ’2017, the couple was heading to Taco Bell, but before that, they had to stop at the hospital. Karen had to stop by to get herself checked, as three years ago, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and she fought the battle with great bravery. Karen states how she chose to slay and enjoy things that she could miss out on because of the chemotherapy sessions and constant treatment.
It was the best choice ever; it made the fight against cancer easier for her! When you hear the word cancer, there are hundreds of fears that take over your heart and mind; however, Karen, with a big heart, chose to prioritize herself and won the battle. In December 2014, she defeated cancer!
The visit to Taco Bell was not just about celebrating their anniversary. It was to celebrate how beautiful the bond that the couple had survived the days on which both of them were in survival mode and held each other through thick and thin. In the end, this is all that love is about. Karen’s best friend, Stacey, did the photoshoot. It was a playful shoot for which the couple wore customized shirts with “Mr.” and “Mrs.” designed on them.
The couple knew all eyes were on them, so they enjoyed their food with giggles and recalled memories. The day was about holding hands across the tray filled with burritos and posing while they sipped sodas. It felt like reliving their early twenties together. Donnie, a homeboy with a shy personality, was embarrassed about being judged, whereas Karen enjoyed the moment and told him to treasure what they still had. Who knows what life holds for you in the next few years!
Since contracting cancer, Karen has learned the importance of laughing a little louder and enjoying life without worries. The love story that began in the parking lot is now 30 years old and is a perfect example of how to build a marriage that balances love, humor, and perseverance.
