Looking for love is never easy. But looking for love on a reality show must only make it that much harder (and stranger). But what most noticed about season eight of the Bachelorette is that Emily Maynard brought some class and grace to it all. Already a favorite from her former stint on the Bachelor, it might be easy to think her just another pretty face on reality TV. The reality is, her life has been full of ups and downs, and she has come out of all of it smiling. That, alone, says so much about this beauty.

Her Fiance’ Died in 2004

In heart breaking news, Emily Maynard had to go through what many would think to be the ultimate loss. Her fiance’ (NASCAR racer Ricky Hendrick) died in a plane crash in 2004.  They had dated each other since they were fifteen. Now you can see the courage it took for her to even TRY to look for love again. But the point, you will see by the end is, never give up hope.

Struggled as a Single Mom

She remained living in the house she owned with her late fiance’ and her daughter. But it was never an easy ride for this single Mom, who had a ton of adversity to overcome and grief to face before she could move on with her life. Don’t worry, the tone of this article will change by the time you reach the end.

Her Romance With Bachelor Brad Womack Fizzled

At the end of the season, he got down on one knee and asked Emily Maynard to marry him. Though she said yes and all seemed well, the romance fizzled as soon as the cameras stopped rolling. They tried, it id did not last past a few months. Hey, at least they figured it out quick enough that neither was too heart broken by it. Such is the way things seem to work in reality TV.

Just Married Tyler Johnson

Failed marriages and deaths aside, as solid proof that love can rise again even through the toughest circumstances, Emily is now married to Tyler Johnson (whom tied the knot with her last month in a surprise and private ceremony). Just goes to show you the strength and resilience she has as a person. The kicker is, Tyler Johnson was no contestant on any show. They had met, in her words, by being brought together by God. Rumor is the two are very much in love and that this is finally a new and beautiful chapter for the life of Emily Maynard.

She Never Lost Hope

That is the key to all of this. If you start from the top of the article, it seemed bleak for her. Loss and break ups and being a single Mom and failed engagements (on two accounts) in front of the whole world. It would have been easy for Emily Maynard to write off love. To give up on her dreams. To become a pale shadow of her former self. But did she do that? No. And now look where she is. Happiest she has ever been. So next time you think you are hopeless when it comes to love, remember Emily Maynard and remember anything is possible and never lose hope.

(Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images for Benefit Cosmetics)

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