Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? Where do you live now?
Hello! My name is Cathy Lynnette Caballero and I was born and raised in a small town called Crystal Springs located outside of Terry, Mississippi. I am the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Benson. I am a 2001 graduate of Crystal Springs Senior High School. I am also a graduate of Hinds Community College (2005) and Belhaven University (2009). I was blessed by God with two beautiful princesses, Miss Aasia Arieyelle Thompson (11) and Miss Zion Faith Clayton (5). I currently work at the G.V. Sonny Montgomery V.A. Medical Center where I provide care for our war veterans who have served our country. I now reside in Jackson, Mississippi where I have been for the last 8 years.
My husband is Luis Caballero. He is the son of Rosa Sanchez and Luis M. Caballero. Luis was born and raised in Miami, Florida, but now resides in Jackson, Mississippi. He has 5 kids Desiree (10) Luis, Jr. (8) Veronica (7) Carlos and Alondra (5). He is is the CEO of Unique Touch Painting, LLC.
How did you meet?
After being hurt a thousand times… after the lies and after the abuse, I never thought I would open my heart or life up again to anyone. I met my husband at a dance event called Rip the Cyper ,which he hosted each month for teens and anyone who loved music and dance. A young man, whom I considered like a little brother, was a break dancer on his team. He invited me to come out to this event. After several shows, I noticed him and became a behind the scene person who created programs and certificates for the event. I always admired him from afar, but never took the initiative to step to him.
I left the scene of hip and dance to battle with my own issues. I had to have an emergency surgery and was knocked down for 8 weeks. Upon being blessed with my health and strength I arrived back to attend one last event. Everyone that knew me greeted me with hugs and smiles. They were happy to see me.
I entered the building and sat down waiting for the crowd to arrive when the gentleman I considered a brother walked over and greeted me with a hug and smile. Upon my surprise, my now husband walked up and said, “Hello”. I was in total shock because he had never noticed me or even spoke a word to me. I simply smiled back and said, “Hello. Nice to officially meet you.”
Throughout the night he teased me about dancing with him. Because I am not a dancer, I simply turned down his request. However, since I knew that he was a break dancer and very talented, I asked if he would jump in the cyper and do something for me. LOL…and he did. I was, indeed, all smiles.
I sent him a message saying thanks for the performance. He immediately asked how did I receive his number. I informed him that he sent it to me via facebook when I wanted to enroll in his self defense classes, but was too ashamed to attend because of my crush on him.
Well, the night ended and I told everyone goodbye. He asked if he could take me out. I ,again, turned him down and told him I had to get back home to my kids. As he did not want to hear the word no, he said, “I have kids as well.”
As a lady I was playing hard to get. Even though I really wanted to see him, I just did not want to appear thirsty or needy. I took him up on his offer after securing that my kids were fine and I met him at his home.
We laughed and talked the night away. He told me about his life and his dreams and I shared a few with him. He asked if he could see me again. As you can see, I have been in his life since that night. Together we blossomed into a great friendship.
Describe the moment you knew you belonged together?
After much deliberation and after having a successful friendship, we developed a bond like no other. We shared the same hopes, dreams and desires. We both work hard in life and knew the directions we wanted to go in. I knew my husband was the one for me when my back was against the wall and I felt like all hope was gone. Of all the people in my life, he was there holding my hand and guiding me through. I was at death’s door and the only person near me at that time to help save me was him. In the ER, I was hooked up to machines. I watched him panic. As tears came to his eyes, I knew then that this man cared a great deal for me and my life.
He said it was the way I was affectionate to his needs and how I cared for him in such a special way. “No one had ever cared for me and loved me like her. She made me see life clearer. She gave me hope to prosper and succeed in life. Cathy is my queen. And, I knew without a doubt she was the queen to sit next to me on the throne,” said Luis.
What makes your relationship work?
Three little letters…G-O-D. God is the head of our life. He is the foundation and the reason we are placed together. Without God we are nothing and we would not be together.
Prayer is another key. You have to not only pray for your spouse, but pray with your spouse.
Communication is the last thing. We talk about problems when they arise. We listen to each other. And, although we may not always agree on everything, we still listen and communicate with each other. That’s what works for us. God, prayer, listening to each other and communication…
What’s your favorite thing about each other?
My favorite thing about him is that he is driven. There is nothing that keeps him from reaching his goals. I admire that about him. Most men his age are not driven to prosper and I must admit that has always been one of the greatest things I admire about him. He also does not hold my past against me. Through all my hurt, health issues and pain he has allowed himself to love me unconditionally.
His favorite thing about me are my lips because they capture his attention. “They are soft and full. I can’t imagine kissing anyone else,” says Luis. LOL.
He says he loves that I am nerdy and have a passion for learning. He is infatuated with my ability and love for helping others.
Tell us about your funniest moment together.
Our marriage is like a comedy show! There are so many funny things always happening. Last year, at the Annual State Fair, he talked me into getting on a ride with him that takes you 50 feet in the air. Keep in mind, I hadn’t been on a ride in a very long time. He was able to talk my silly self into it.
We got on and they took us up. We just sat there and as I leaned over to look at him, they dropped us and down I went screaming, “Jesus, Jesus help me!” I cried so hard until I thought I peed my pants. My husband thought this was the funniest thing…Even though I was mad and terrified I still found myself laughing.
SOUTHERN LACED 