Amid the flurry of soccer practice and other activities associated with four daughters ages 4-15, multiple jobs, and the everyday hubbub of life in Western Fairfax, Tom and Karen Dillinger of Clifton's Hayden Village community put each other first. This prioritization, along with their strong faith has kept their 10 1/2 year marriage thriving.
Daughters Becca, 15, Sally, 9, Natalie, 8, and Susan, 4, have been a "wonderful addition to our love," says Karen.
"We are really involved with the children's sports and other activities, but always remember we are a couple first. Tom and I help each other and try to be home on the same schedule," said Karen. "There is still great chemistry. Even today, we get excited to see each other walk into the room."
Karen, 38, is a full-time homemaker and former flight attendant for American Airlines. Born in Florida into an Air Force family, she moved around a lot, graduating from West Springfield High, then Radford University.
Echoing his wife's sentiment, Tom, 43, says, "Karen is still so physically attractive to me. My wife is a beautiful angel, and I feel truly lucky to have her."
"When I was dating her I kept looking to find her faults, but I couldn't. People get tired of hearing me talk about her, but when they meet her they agree she is so special."
Tom was born in the District and grew up in Manassas. He is a 20-year wrestling coach at Stonewall Jackson Middle School in Manassas and sole proprietor of Clifton-based Grappler Construction, named for his passion — wrestling. As if this were not enough, he is also a part-time ramp employee for American Airlines, loading bags, de-icing planes and helping with other operations.
"We like to have a traditional household. In fact, people used to call me Donna Reed!" says Karen.
With her slim figure, blonde hair and matching red lipstick and nails, some children on one of her flights once asked to take a picture with "Barbie," she says.
Tom, known to friends and family as "Dilly," is well-liked by everyone who knows him, says Karen. "He is always going the extra mile, helping to change your tire or loading crew bags at American."
They hit if off on their first date, ice-skating. Characterized by Karen as a "good flirt," Tom would thrill American passengers by meeting her airplane with a bouquet of red heart balloons or giving her a big hug and a smooch in plain view.
The secrets to their long-lasting romance are "spending time together and sharing a faith that holds us accountable to a higher power." Karen says she has some dear friends, but often turns down invites to go out for girl's night out in order to be with her husband. We are boring, often turning in at 11 p.m., watching the news and sharing a few laughs over 'Seinfeld'."