We met in anatomy and physiology class freshmen year at Salisbury University. There was no real introduction. We started talking due to our mutual dislike for the structure of the course and the expectations of the professor. We even had an inside joke that came out of it. We laughed our way through that class. Matt and I saw each other on and off throughout our undergraduate years at different events on and off campus. After graduation, we did not see each other again until 2019 where we ran into each other in the university fitness center. We caught up on each other’s lives and shared more laughs, but I didn’t see him again for a couple of years. In July 2022, I had a trip planned to Texas. I recently reconnected with Matt via social media and found out that he was living down there. The original plans I had for the trip fell through so Matt and I arranged for me to spend the weekend with him and use this time to get to know each other more in depth. That weekend was confirmation. It was him for me. After the trip to Texas, I returned to Maryland. Matt and I did not lose touch as we were constantly on the phone. We talked about my plans to go back to school for my doctorate in physical therapy school and his plans to finish his dual masters and move back to Maryland. In August 2022, I flew down to Texas to take the two day ride back to Maryland with Matt. Since that trip, we have spent more time together than apart. Every day, Matt shows me what was already confirmed in my head and heart when I flew to Texas the first time. John Powell is the man God hand picked just for me.

July 2023 was the 3rd David Family Reunion. Matt was the designated photographer/videographer for the weekend while I was scheduled to co-lead a fitness class with Aja and sing with the family choir. On Saturday, July 22, 2023, there were 3 options for activities: paint & sip, Liberian embassy, and a tour of DC. We selected the tour of DC so that we could go to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Of course, the tour of DC did not only include one stop so we made a few on the way to the museum. In one particular area, there was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial. Everyone broke off to walk to whichever memorial they wanted to see. I thought nothing of the fact that the only people heading to the Lincoln Memorial were Uncle Jason, Gabe, Matt and myself. Matt was taking pictures and videos with his camera and I was vlogging on my phone. He taught me how to use the osmo pocket before so when he handed it to me to record going up the steps of the memorial, I still had no idea what was about to happen. I was so busy vlogging on the osmo that I didn’t notice him calling my name the first few times. When I finally turned around, Matt was down on one knee. I looked up from him and saw my brother and uncle recording. It finally hit me that he was proposing. I walked around for a minute in disbelief. Once i walked back over to him, he said “I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?” To which i said no words, I just nodded in tears and went in for a hug and kiss. Both of our hands were shaking when he placed the ring on my finger. I was overjoyed. I was going to be his wife!