JUL 2020: TAMMY CUNNINGHAM

Marvin was my high school sweetheart. We was formally introduced in 1998 by a mutual friend when I asked to tag along with them to Mill Road Movie Theater in Milwaukee, WI for the premier of the movie Belly. At some point, he eased his arm around my shoulders during the movie and after dropping me off at home, he walked me to the door and asked for my telephone number. Initially, I wasn't interested in a relationship, but let me tell you that man won me over!! After four and a half years of dating, there was no doubt in my mind that he was the ONE, when I became his June bride. 

As much as we loved each other, getting married at such a young age came with more challenges than I could have imagined. Premarital counseling shed light on many issues that I hadn't really considered in our dating relationship such as credit scores, childhood upbringings and love languages. Needless to say, the first few years of marriage was probably the most challenging because we both had to do some growing up ourselves and figure out how to transition into becoming one. He came from a two-parent household and I was raised by a single mom, so there was a whole lot to figure out in order to make things work. 

Despite our differences, we were both raised in Christian households and through the good and the bad times our faith in Jesus Christ and unconditional love for one another is the foundation for this marriage. From this union, we have two beautiful children, ages 11 and 8 who have been an extension of our love for each other. What helps us to stay connected is we have always continued to date and put each other first.He still makes me feel special by opening car doors, holding my hand and making sure that my gas tank is full, so I don't have to pump gas. I chuckle at the fact that I have to keep reminding our "daddy's girl" Marlee that Marvin may be your daddy, but let's be clear...that's my MAN. After all these years, he makes me laugh often and he's my best friend until I take my last breath.

The First Wives Club, for me, has been a place where I can come and check myself to see if I have been missing the mark as a wife, be transparent with other wives who can relate and offer insight to those who may be dealing with similar challenges that I  have overcome in my own marriage. I am grateful to have access to like-minded women from all walks of life who also desire to succeed in their marriages. ​

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