Our relationship began in July of 2015. You see the Erika and Reggie story as you know today wasn't as happy and spirit filled as you may think. The two of us suffered devastating losses. Erika lost her fiance in 2014 and Reggie lost his fiancé in 2013, needless to say we both were heartbroken, lost in darkness and in desperate need of a Savior. Erika felt the strong presence of God in her life and her spiritual journey began there. About a year had past and during this time, Reggie was in prayer for a godly woman. Not aware but God was preparing Erika to be that woman. Many years ago we both attended the same high school in New Jersey and knew each others families. Erika's mother kept in contact with Reggie through Facebook and offered words of encouragement due to the both of us sharing the same type of tragedy and loss. Reggie then requested a church to attend while visiting his children in Richmond, Va. At that time, Erika's number was passed to Reggie and then the two began conversing over the phone. One night, Reggie came to make a surprise visit to listen to Erika's testimony at church. From that point onward everything was history. The first time I saw her, my heart leaped out of my chest and I felt nervous that I couldn't spend another moment without her in my life. Erika's smile was so mesmerizing I couldn't speak and when it came time to say hi I just froze and turned and said hi to the pastor (I knew I wasn't ready). Finally, I couldn't avoid her any longer and as she got closer my hands shook. We greeted each other with a hug and sparks flew from there. At one point during this relationship we were moved by our flesh to begin dating as the world. But our God showed us his wonderful grace and mercy and began showing us, after separating, how we were to court each other and be pleasing in his eyes. After much discipline and personal growth in the Lord we were ready for each other and to love one another the way God originally intended.