27 Years Strong: How Kenya Hobbs Helped His Wife Dianna Hobbs Fall in Love with Him Twice

Jan 17

When a brain injury erased Dianna Hobbs' memories of her husband, Kenya’s unwavering love rewrote their story, proving that love thrives even in life’s toughest moments.

By Rebecca Johnson // EEW Magazine Online

When EEW Magazine founder Dianna Hobbs lost years of marriage memories to a brain injury, her husband had the perfect response: "Let's make new ones."

The story of Kenya and Dianna Hobbs reads like a romance novel, complete with plot twists even fiction writers might hesitate to pen. Married on a snowy Buffalo afternoon in 1998, the couple is celebrating their 27th anniversary Friday, January 17, 2025, with a social media tribute that left readers reaching for tissues.

"It's the way he looks at me... still, after all these years," Dianna wrote in her anniversary post, sharing glimpses of the daily acts of devotion that define their relationship. But it was the events of 2019 that revealed the true depth of their love.

That year, Dianna suffered a mini-stroke and traumatic brain injury that erased countless memories of their life together. The injury altered her personality, erased their inside jokes, and stole many of the small moments that had shaped their marriage. For some couples, such a loss might have created an unbridgeable gap. For Kenya, COO of Urban League Buffalo, it was simply another opportunity to demonstrate his love.

"Don't worry, babe," he told her. "We'll make new memories. I love who you were then, who you are now, and who you will become."

Kenya’s promise wasn’t just words. Over the course of a harrowing journey—including a mini-stroke, more than 20 seizures, speech challenges, and temporary paralysis on her left side—he showed up every day to help Dianna rewrite their story. These complications, caused by a rare allergic reaction to a common antibiotic, could have devastated their bond. Instead, they became a foundation for an even deeper connection.

“Don’t worry, babe. We’ll make new memories. I love who you were then, who you are now, and who you will become.”

— Kenya Hobbs

Now, as founders of City Church Buffalo and pillars in their community, the Hobbs use their experiences to inspire others facing similar challenges. Kenya’s steadfast commitment includes rising at 4:30 every morning for Bible study—a habit he has maintained through every trial. Meanwhile, Dianna continues to lead Empowering Everyday Women Ministries, reaching hundreds of thousands globally with her message of faith and resilience.

In an era where health challenges often test relationships, their love story shines as a reminder of the transformative power of unconditional love. "Marriage isn't just about remembering past cherished memories," Kenya reflects. "It's about choosing each other every single day."

Dianna’s anniversary tribute celebrated the small moments: the way Kenya holds her, protects her, and speaks life into her. These acts, once seen as ordinary, now carry extraordinary weight. They’re not just habits of a long marriage but conscious choices that rebuilt their bond after trauma threatened to erase it.

“Marriage isn’t just about remembering past cherished memories; it’s about choosing each other every single day.”

Their four children—Kyla, Kaiah, Kedar, and Kaleb—have witnessed this love story unfold firsthand. They’ve seen how commitment can weather life’s storms and how their parents’ marriage not only survived challenges but grew stronger because of them.

"The way I love him—and he loves me—grows deeper with each passing day," Dianna wrote in her tribute. For a woman who had to relearn parts of her own love story, those words carry an undeniable power.

For Kenya and Dianna Hobbs, 27 years isn’t just a milestone; it’s a celebration of the deep connection that flourishes through choosing love daily, even when life’s trials demand starting over.

Their story is proof that love truly grows sweeter when nurtured with faith, perseverance, and a true commitment to honoring God and each other.

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