‘I WILL BE HERE!’: This is more than just Ken and Valerie’s wedding song, but a testament to the marriage they have

Sometimes all you need is a little change.

In the Gray family, there are plenty of changes coming this year. From Ken and Valerie’s son graduating from high school and shipping off to college in Virginia, to Valerie hitting the half century mark in August, there are some big changes coming their way.

And while it may seem difficult at first, Ken knows that with his wife by his side, through the laughter and tears they can endure the seasons of change that comes their way.

“After graduating from college, she began working for the Prudential Insurance company, but always felt a calling to be a teacher,” Ken said. “Valerie ultimately left Prudential to take a position as a first grade teacher in a private school. She is an amazing teacher and her students are lucky to have her! She has so much more patience than you could ever imagine.”

Had it not been for Valerie’s giant leap of faith, she may have never learned how great of a teacher she could become. But now, she is appreciated by all her coworkers, her students and their families, and the Gray family knows that she was made to be a teacher.

At the same time, they also know that Valerie was meant to be a mother as well. As the  mother of one child, and the stepmom of two children, she shows so much love and compassion to her kids. She spends so much of her life making sure Evan in particular has everything he needs, and she is always there for him.

“Her life is devoted to helping our son realize his dreams and be the best he can be while making every day a special day,” Ken said. “She puts his needs before her own and put her teaching on hold for two years, traveling with Evan and living in New York City while he was involved in two different musicals.”

Valerie was willing to uproot her career to go and help her son explore his dreams, and that is something that he is never going to forget. She is an encourager, a supporter, and someone who is always willing to sacrifice what she is doing, to make her family better and realize their dreams.

“Valerie is an amazing wife and mother,” Ken said. “She absolutely puts her family first! She is full of grace and forgiveness. She is full of energy and works hard to make the most of our family time, creating memorable holidays, vacations and family celebrations. Valerie is also kind, compassionate and thinks of others ahead of herself.”

Valerie is truly affectionate and truly selfless, and she is a gracious soul. People love to be around her, and she can light up any room she walks into.

Ken speaks so highly of his wife, and every time you ask him a question about her, you can see on his face how much he truly loves her. She brings him so much joy and comfort, and he is more than grateful for the last 20 years of being married to the love of his life.

“Valerie is beautiful, smart and athletic, but I guess the thing I admire most about her is her loving heart and how she has a sincere desire to make those around her better,” Ken exclaimed.

She is just an all-around great person and someone who is one-of-a-kind.

She spends her days lifting the spirits of those around her up, and she also spends her life elevating people to be the best version of themselves.

When asked how his wife elevates him personally to be a better person, Ken had this to say.

“Wow, where do I begin? She is an encourager and the best friend I have ever had or could ever imagine having. I trust her with my heart and my life and know that she always has my best interests in mind. Like a personal trainer, she wants me to be the best and pushes me out of my comfort zone to be better!”

Now that is a wife worth standing by!

It is no wonder Ken has enjoyed his marriage the past 20 years, and he is looking forward to the next 20 years! He loves Valerie more than anything, and he wants her to be reminded of this each and every day. He said he will continue to be true to her and the one who gave her to him as he continues to watch her grow in beauty and tell her all the things she is to him.

“When we got married, I sang the song ‘I Will Be Here’ to her at our wedding and now, after 20 years, I will still be here. Even with all of the changes in the next six months, I will be here. The lyrics of the song enhance our story.”