Some love stories start with a chance meeting, some over coffee, and some begin with a little help from the internet.
For Todd and Bethany Young, one online match turned into something much bigger: shared adventures, a proposal in New Bern, North Carolina, a first home, and a life built side by side.
Early on, they discovered a few passions they had in common, especially traveling and beach trips. That love of adventure quickly became part of their story, and before long Todd proposed during a trip to New Bern. They married, bought their first home together, and began dreaming about what would come next.
One of those dreams was growing their family.
Todd and Bethany spent years trying to make that dream happen through the traditional path, eventually pursuing IVF. Despite the time, effort, hope, and heart they poured into the process, they were not successful.
But sometimes the road to family takes an unexpected turn.
Adoption has now opened a new chapter for Todd and Bethany, and they are excitedly pursuing domestic adoption as they wait to meet the little one who will someday make their family complete.
And if there is one thing you quickly learn about these two, it is that they know how to build a full life.
Todd's road has taken him from serving as a Captain in the United States Air Force to earning his Master of Business Administration. Today, he puts that education and experience to work as a senior business analyst for an electric company in Naperville, Illinois.
Outside of work, Todd keeps things anything but boring. He enjoys karaoke, concerts, traveling, board games, tennis, and competing in triathlons. In other words, he is equally prepared for a microphone, a strategy game, or a finish line.
Bethany brings her own impressive mix of compassion, communication, and service to the partnership. She works as a mediator and call center liaison for a healthcare organization, helping people navigate situations that often require patience, understanding, and a steady hand.
She also shares Todd's love of travel and has explored several Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. When she is closer to home, you might find her watching the Blackhawks, working in the garden, or volunteering in her community.
Together, Todd and Bethany have made service a regular part of their lives.
They sit on panels for high school students, pack food for disadvantaged children overseas, and lend their time to beautification projects for neighborhood playgrounds. Their willingness to show up, pitch in, and invest in others says a lot about the kind of home they hope to create.
And when summer rolls around, there is a good chance you will find them cheering on the Chicago White Sox together.
Their story has already included military service, education, travel, career changes, new homes, hard seasons, big adventures, and more than a few unexpected turns.
Now they are waiting for the chapter they have hoped for the longest.
This October, Six Picks Artisan Roasted Coffee is honored to feature Todd and Bethany Young as our Forever Family Fundraiser family.
Throughout the month, proceeds from your Six Picks coffee purchases will help support their adoption journey. Whether you order a bag of freshly roasted coffee, share their story, or give directly, every bit of support helps bring them closer to the family they have been working, hoping, and preparing for.
Because sometimes the best things in life take a little longer to brew.
And Todd and Bethany are ready for the sweetest addition yet.
You can also support their adoption journey directly through AdoptTogether: