I met Chi Chi in 1983 where we attended Southeastern H.S. together. She would walk past my locker holding her books very tight to her chest and would very shyly look at me and only smile. I was very popular in school because I danced with the well known Devo Dancers, so everyone would frequently stop by my locker just to hang out. After a couple of days of watching her walk past my locker I decided to say hi to her. From there we started saying hi by names and it then progressed into us joking around between classes. Surprisingly we were assigned study hall together and that’s where and when our friendship developed. We never studied in there, but we did talk and would have deep conversations about life in general. Shortly after that she became one of my best friends. I was always attracted to her and she was one of those pretty girls that was quiet and under the radar. So, you had to talk to her to really get to know her. Who would have thought 36 years later that we would be preparing to spend the rest of our lives together forever. She is truly my soulmate.

After reuniting our long lost friendship via Facebook it was just like old times again. I would say hi to Tommy almost daily, but only this time it was through FB and those annoying FB Pokes to him. During this time my life was beginning to change drastically. So, I would often post a FB stat that referenced my feelings for the day. Well, Tommy stepped in and became “THAT” friend that he used to be. I’ve never felt judged or embarassed when sharing my stories with him. In fact, he made me feel empowered to take back control of “ME” and he even helped me believe in my worth again. Tommy was there for me at a most difficult time in my life and just his offering of encouraging words was enough for me. Tommy is always the calm, cool and collected person. It’s no wonder I had no idea that he too was also experiencing a turning point in his personal life. Ironically, a year later I would now need to be there for him in the same manner. The honesty, mutual respect and communication is what WE both needed most and is what has blossomed into the undeniable bond and friendship we share today. One of the most amazing part of our story is how we were able to reunite the friendship in time enough to celebrate and share in the festivites for each of our 50th Birthdays a year a part. However, January 19, 2018 was the 50th Birthday Celebration for me that later turned into a surprise proposal. The night was filled with lots of LOVE, joy and good times. One of the highlights and best parts of the evening for us both is that family and friends were able to witness and be a part of this special and beautiful event. Our celebration of LOVE continues as HAMILTON EVER AFTER. I know Tommy is the “BEST PART OF ME”.

If you want a relationship that feels like the most amazing thing on earth, then you must treat it like the most amazing thing on earth.