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 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot!
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot! This week, Sweet Auburn BBQ joined us for Food Truck Friday, and they got the holiday weekend started right with wings.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill.
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill. Lucky for you, our friends from Pike Nurseries have a ton of ideas for how you can get your outdoor space ready for the holiday festivities.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:58:06 GMT
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far.
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far. Located just 150 miles from Atlanta, Providence Canyon may be the perfect summer day trip.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:12:38 GMT
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas.
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas. So, we're going retro to see what our Good Day crew looked like back in the day (and maybe embarrass them just a little)!
Friday, May 24 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:42:08 GMT
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose. The state of Georgia is trying to do something about the problem, so they've just launched an awareness campaign focused on education and prevention.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
KDFW FOX 4 400 N. Griffin Street Dallas, Texas 75202
Main Station Directory: (214) 720-4444 News Fax: (214) 720-3263 or (214) 720-3333
