This story begins in Birmingham, Alabama, on the floor of the South Exhibit Hall of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center, where Richard and Ora were first introduced on October 2nd, 2017. 

Dedicated to the cause, it is very predictable that on that late Monday afternoon, Ora and Richard would find themselves in the trenches faced with planning a last-minute rally for Doug Jones, a long-shot candidate to represent Alabama in the U.S. Senate and Former Vice- President Joseph Robinette Biden.  

Here, the story differs on what would transpire between the two...

Let Richard tell it; Ora was mesmerized by Richard’s grizzly bear stature as he introduced himself to the volunteer staff with his baritone voice that resonated across the 2700-square-foot ballroom floor. With his commanding presence, Richard would look to identify what staff members could take on specific tasks for the rally. Now, he will admit that there was something about Ora that did catch his eye. That's why he assigned her two crucial roles—managing high-profile attendees and, even more importantly, controlling the music for the event.

Ora’s POV is not quite the same. Richard and Ora first met in the room where the rally would happen. They shook hands and the first thing out of Richard’s mouth was a snide remark about Ora’s small stature. She wasn’t impressed but knew this was his attempt at flirting – she played along. The rally started and it was smooth sailing as they welcomed VIPs, volunteers, and voters. Old friends Doug Jones and Joe Biden stood together and smiled to loud applause.

When their work was done, Richard brought Ora backstage to get a photo with Joe Biden and Ora was thoroughly impressed (reminder: this was 2017). It wasn’t love at first sight but, from then on, the two spoke daily and built a relationship founded upon acknowledging each other’s strengths, exchanging guidance and advice, fiercely debating politics and issues, and laughing at the quirks and ironies of life. Not to mention the 6 AM dates at Waffle House. Neither could see what was coming.

Over the years, Ora and Richard’s relationship stretched from coast to coast. Ora was in South Florida, then San Francisco; Richard was in Mississippi, DC, then Boston – the couple experienced the normal trials and tribulations of any relationship, still trying to get to know each other and devise a plan to make this work. There were definitely periods of uncertainty. 

Ultimately, the sudden pandemic times brought them back together and, in December 2020, they decided to settle in Atlanta. Since then, they’ve enjoyed many trips – to Senoia, GA (Richard’s family home), up and down I-95 to visit Barbara & Jeffrey in Miami, with friends & family, and to see loved ones tie the knot. But most of the time, you’ll find them spending simple evenings at home, cooking together or watching all 10 Fast & Furious movies, and always pushing each other to be better.

While they come from different coasts, distinct backgrounds, and varied experiences, they were raised with shared values of humility, commitment, family, and service. These values connect, drive, and guide them through life.