In 2022, after a long time waiting as the pandemic came to an end, we were finally invited to return back to the Kingdom Hall along with all the brothers and sisters. On one of our first nights back my mother happened upon a sketchbook laying in the row of seats in front of her and struck up a conversation with Dave Elijah's dad thinking the sketchbook belonged to him. It turned out the sketchbook belonged to Elijah, and that's when we finally noticed each other, talking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company, not knowing what started as an acquainting conversation would funnel into a lifelong relationship and a lifetime of love.

In the beginning months following the start of our initial meeting, we continued to find ourselves talking to each other, deep in conversations as our newfound friendship introduced us to all the similarities, we never knew we had. As days continued to months, we began to spend more and more time together, at parties, family events, and public meetings we both started to realize that we weren't meant to just be each other's best friends, we wanted to explore the feelings of love that had developed over the past 5 months. Then finally, after a long period of both parts anxiously waiting for the other to confess, on August 6th, 2022, Diani confessed her feelings to Elijah, and they began their relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend.

On this very special day, Diani had no idea that this date would become a turning point—one that would transform her and Eli’s love story into something even more beautiful than they could ever imagined. While Diani was out, Elijah prepared his living room with soft romantic lights draping the space, a cozy table for two set in the center, adorned with rose petals and glowing candles. Classic jazz floated through the air, setting the perfect mood. He had also been lovingly preparing a five-course meal for them to enjoy together—hoping to create a night filled with quality time and meaningful moments as they were enjoying their dinner, gazing into each other’s eyes. Elijah gently suggested a stroll with him through the rose garden nearby. During the drive, his heart pounding—knowing that he would soon ask her the most important question of his life. Meanwhile, Diani chatted happily, blissfully unaware of what was to come, her voice both calming and intensifying Elijah’s nerves. As they wandered the familiar garden path and sat down on a nearby bench, Elijah reached into his bag and handed her a few tiny LEGO pieces along with custom instructions. Diani smiled, touched by the sweet and quirky gesture, and carefully followed the steps—only to realize she was building a ring. In that moment, that’s when it began to dawn on her. They continued to walk and in the distance, they noticed one of the gazebos beautifully lit with candles and twinkling lights, with a trail of rose petals leading up to it. When they stepped inside and Diani turned around, Elijah was down on one knee. With eyes full of love and heartfelt words, he told her how she had changed his life in the most incredible way, and that he couldn’t imagine a future without her by his side. He spoke from the heart about the journeys they’d experienced together and how ecstatic he is to fulfill many more years of adventure with her. He was ready to take this relationship to the next step and begin a new timeless chapter in their story. After two and a half years of being together, Elijah finally asked the question, and without hesitation, Diani said yes. She accepted the ring, wrapped her arms around him, and they held each other tightly, laughing, crying, and kissing in the glow under the starry night while snow flurries over our heads—an unforgettable moment, one that would stay in their hearts forever.