Howard has also grown up and lived in Chattanooga, but will always love Alabama football. He attended Ooltewah High School where he excelled in football. He is one of the most family-oriented people I have ever met in my life and that is such an admirable quality. He now coaches football at Silverdale Baptist Academy and is enrolled in the E.M.T. program at Chattanooga State. He will graduate in the Spring of 2009.

We were on vacation with his family in Florida. The second night we were there, he told me to get ready earlier than everyone else because he wanted to go on a scenic drive. Howard goes to Florida more often than I do, so I didn't think anything of it because I figured he wanted to show me around places he had been. We drove on the best scenic route to Seaside. I have never seen such a picture perfect town! We parked in what seemed like the town square and walked down to the beach. There was hardly anyone on the beach and as we stood there at the water's edge I though to myself, "man this is such a great moment!' Not even knowing what was coming next, Howard stepped in front of me and grabbed both of my hands. He seemed nervous, but at the time I didn't think anything of it. He told me that he loved me more than anything and he couldn't see himself without me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. At this point my eyes got huge and when he saw the look on my face he told me not to freak out on him! Before I knew it he was down on one knee in the sand, opened the ring box, and said "Emily will you marry me?" It was the most amazing moment ever and I cannot even explain the feeling that came over me!