Hi John,

Today, I feel beyond blessed to be celebrating 16 years married to one of the greatest men I've ever known – my husband Wes.

Wes and I say our meeting was "the best blind date of our lives." Our aunts and family friends thought we'd make a good couple and… suffice it to say, they were right.

Our first date started out as coffee. Then coffee turned to dinner. Then dinner turned into dancing. And one magical date turned into a relationship.

Before we knew it, Wes was getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan. I hosted a gathering with all our friends and family to make sure he felt enveloped by love before he left. And then he started giving this speech about how he had been directionless and how I was his compass… I felt so confused because this was supposed to be a party for him! Why was he talking about me?

I quite literally lost my breath as he dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him.

Since then, our life has been full of highs and lows. We've been blessed with two amazing kids – Mia and James. We've also made it through Wes's deployment to Afghanistan, my multiple sclerosis diagnosis, and losing beloved family members like Mama Win. We stuck together through a grueling campaign last year and now are so proud to be serving this amazing state.

Through every bit of it, Wes has always been my promise-keeper.

That's why when he told me he wanted to run for governor, I knew he'd be amazing at the job. I knew I married a public servant. And just like he's kept his promises to me – I see how he's delivering on the campaign promises he made, too.

Today, I'm celebrating 16 years of being with a partner who makes my heart beat a little faster, my laugh a little harder, my sleep a little more sound, and my life so much fuller.

Thank you – John – for your support of Wes, me, and our family,

Dawn Moore
Wife, mother, and first lady of Maryland

P.S. While Wes and I are celebrating today, I certainly wouldn't mind being able to tell him we raised a little money to make sure we keep building a Maryland where no one is left behind.