Written in Heaven: A Love Story Only God Could Write — Part 1 Roger Marsh welcomes Joe and Tamara Battaglia to share how faith, unexpected encounters, and God’s timing led to a remarkable second chance at love. What if the seemingly random events of our lives aren’t random at all? Could a chance meeting, an unexpected flight assignment, or even a canceled Uber be part of something God has been preparing all along? On this edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, host Roger Marsh welcomes Joe Battaglia and Tamara Hester Battaglia for the first part of a heartwarming conversation about finding love after loss, recognizing God’s direction, and learning to trust His timing. The couple’s remarkable journey provides a personal introduction to Tamara’s devotional, Written in Heaven: His Story, Our Lives, which explores how God works through the circumstances, challenges, and unexpected blessings of everyday life. A Chance Meeting That Changed Everything After a difficult divorce and 17 years of being single, Tamara wasn’t searching for another marriage. Joe, meanwhile, had lost his wife of 37 years in 2018 and was learning to navigate life as a widower. Their paths crossed in Nashville during an event involving Kathie Lee Gifford and Christian recording artist Nicole C. Mullen. What began as a casual conversation outside the venue became a memorable encounter when Joe offered Tamara and her sister a ride to their hotel. There was just one problem: Tamara had already ordered an Uber and didn’t want to cancel it. Joe, displaying the boldness and humor that would become part of their relationship, reached over and canceled the ride himself. Tamara initially couldn’t believe what he’d done, but that unexpected moment opened the door to a friendship neither had anticipated. When God Opens an Unexpected Door As a United Airlines flight attendant, Tamara rarely spent time in Newark, New Jersey, where Joe lived. Nevertheless, she began praying about whether she should pursue a friendship with him. During one prayer, she specifically asked God to arrange a Newark layover if He wanted them to meet again. Six hours later, an assignment to Newark appeared on her schedule, something she says hadn’t happened in approximately four years. Although winter weather prevented their planned dinner, the two continued communicating. Eventually, Tamara shared her experiences of divorce, loneliness, and rebuilding her life. Joe responded with his own story and a heartfelt prayer of blessing…
