Erica’s world shattered when her husband, Tony, quietly passed away one night. He had been battling a brain tumor for years fighting with surgeries, chemo, and radiation. But in December 2016, at just 31 years old and four months before the birth of their seventh child, he drew his final breath. She remembers clutching his hand as she cried, her heart breaking into a million pieces.
Just months later, she went into labor. With her parents by her side and family all around, she gave birth to a baby boy named Caleb. The moment she held him, she says, she felt like she could breathe again. In his eyes she saw purpose, love, and a reminder that life kept going even after loss.
In the days, weeks, and months that followed, Erica threw herself into motherhood. Raising her seven children without her partner was hard, but each child gave her strength and a reason to keep going. Slowly, the fog of grief lifted. She began to forgive the unfairness, and with time, she rediscovered joy. She felt Tony’s memory whispering to her: let go of the pain and embrace the blessings of today.
Roughly a year after Tony’s death, friends persuaded Erica to attend a singles event. At first, she refused. Dating felt wrong. But she finally agreed and it changed everything. In a widowers’ support group online, she connected with a man named Spencer. He had also lost his partner and was raising four young children on his own.
They talked for hours. Over messages and video calls, they shared their stories, their faith, their fears, and the joys of parenting. There was something deeply spiritual in how they understood each other.
Five months in, Spencer visited Utah (where Erica lived), bringing his kids along so both families could meet. Their first “official” date was gentle and simple a hike, dinner, and heartfelt conversation. He was different in person: quieter and more reserved, but kind, thoughtful, and very respectful.
When he confessed his feelings before leaving, Erica was torn. She cared deeply for him and for his children but she still wasn’t sure how to move forward. She told him she needed time.
Soon after, Spencer moved to Utah. Their families began to blend naturally: playdates, shared meals, and lots of laughter. Erica watched her children and his children bonding, and she felt something big shifting in her heart. One day, she saw him playing with the kids so easily and realized she was in love and that his home was where she belonged.
They prayed together, reflected deeply, and decided to marry. On a crisp winter day, surrounded by all 11 of their children (aged 2–10), they exchanged vows in a joyful celebration. That night, the kids danced as their parents looked on two broken hearts healing into a big, loving family.
Today, more than three years into their marriage, Erica and Spencer describe their relationship as magical, healing, and strong. Erica reflects on her journey and says her heart, once shattered by grief, has somehow grown larger than she ever imagined. She doesn’t just love Tony or Spencer with halves of her soul. She loves them both completely and beautifully in different, meaningful ways.
Their family is a tribute to resilience,
faith, and the power of love.
Image credits goes to Erica