We've all heard things like, "You can't help who you fall in love with," or "True love doesn't wait," or even "If it's meant to be, it will come back." These are true statements for many people and help them explain their love stories. Still, one lesbian couple from Michigan has a unique love story that has some turning their heads.
It isn't just the 25-year age difference between Michelle Foster, 57, and Monica Foster, 32, that shocks people. Instead, it's the fact that nearly 20 years ago, Monica — then Monica Ketchum — was in Michelle's seventh-grade class. The pair swears there was no romantic interest back then, but today, they are happily married and in love.
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Monica and Michelle reconnected via social media.
Michelle was Monica's favorite teacher back in seventh grade. One night in 2020, Monica wanted to see what Michelle was up to and searched her name on Facebook.
She told the New York Post that up until that time, there was no relationship aside from being a teacher and student. Monica had recently come out to her family as gay, and it was a tumultuous time. She turned to Michelle because her classroom was a "safe place."
"We sat and had lunch for five hours — it was great to catch up," Monica said.
Michelle agreed that she was always happy to reconnect with former students, but there was more to it.
The pair continued building a friendship and realized it was becoming romantic.
Michelle was married to a woman then, and Monica had just come out. The pair wanted to be together, and Michelle ended up filing for divorce in May 2022 so they could build a life together, according to the Post. They proposed to one another separately and tied the knot on June 17, 2023. It was a perfect day for the couple.
They have since bought a house together and created a family with Monica's two children from a previous relationship.
Michelle admits it was not always easy.
She told the Post that as they grew closer, her nerves began to surface. Although she knew Monica was the one, she wondered if it was all too much.
"As we grew close, I was worried about the age gap and I was worried about how we first met, but I had to let it all go," Michelle said.
But their relationship is not without criticism.
The couple has faced plenty of trolls in real life and via social media. They post on TikTok as @maryandronda and share content about their unconventional romance. Some think that Michelle is Monica's mother, and others have accused the former teacher of "grooming" her student. But Michelle and Monica aren't worried about what other people think.
"Our wedding day was so significant to me — I don't care what people think because they're not living my life, I am," Monica explained.
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They have built a loving community on social media that accepts them for who they are.
Their TikTok account has 118,000 followers, and their videos have racked up 1.3 million likes. A video of wedding highlights is filled with comments of love for the women, who clearly love each other a lot.
"Yay. Congratulations to both of you. You guys look stunning. Here's to love, laughter, & happy ever after salute!!!" one TikToker wrote.
Others in similar situations enjoy watching the couple. "I honestly love seeing this representation. Myself and my partner are getting married on my 31st birthday. We have a 23 years age gap," another comment reads.
There were a lot of emotions about the beautiful union.
" love this!!!! Made me cry. Gives me hope that is really is out here. Congratulations! Your love is beautiful and warms my heart ❤️," someone commented.
