A Love That Chose to Last

A Love That Chose to Last

Raymond & Roberta Smith: 28 Years of Marriage, Partnership, and Advocacy

This Valentine’s season, we’re celebrating a love story that reminds us what commitment, teamwork, and belief in one another truly look like.

Raymond and Roberta Smith have been married for 28 years, but their journey together began long before their wedding day. The two first met while working at Goodwill in Colorado Springs, where a shared workplace quickly turned into shared lunches, conversations, and a growing friendship. Raymond remembers being drawn to Roberta’s friendly, outgoing nature, while Roberta recalls how naturally they connected.

Like many real love stories, theirs wasn’t perfectly linear. Life took them on separate paths for a time, but when they found their way back to one another in the 1990s, they knew what they wanted. Within a year, Raymond was down on one knee, and on November 7, 1997, the couple quietly eloped at the courthouse—just days before a major blizzard hit the city.

“We didn’t tell anyone,” they laughed. “We just went and did it.”

For Raymond and Roberta, marriage has always been about choosing each other and working as a team. From paying bills together to sharing everyday responsibilities, they believe strongly in give-and-take and open communication. “It takes work,” Raymond shared. “You’re two people, but you’ve got to work together.”

Their marriage has also been shaped by advocacy—both for themselves and for others. As a couple with disabilities, Raymond and Roberta have faced assumptions from others about whether they should get married at all. Instead of letting those voices guide them, they made their own choice and committed to making it work. “We love each other,” Raymond said. “We wanted to get married. So we did.”

Over the years, they’ve learned to stand firm together, supporting one another through challenges and strengthening their voices. Their involvement with The Arc Pikes Peak Region has played an important role in that growth, helping them advocate for themselves in healthcare settings and beyond. Raymond, now a member of The Arc’s Board of Directors, says the organization has helped him gain confidence and speak up—not just for himself, but for others as well.

When asked what love means to them today, after nearly three decades together, Raymond didn’t hesitate. “Our love grew stronger,” he said. “We had our ups and downs, but we worked through it. People didn’t think our marriage would last—but we surprised them.”

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Raymond and Roberta’s story reminds us that love isn’t about perfection. It’s about commitment, teamwork, faith in one another, and the courage to build a life together—on your own terms.

Here’s to 28 years, and counting. ❤️