Rashaud and Lindsay met as teenagers, sharing mutual high school friends and kind glances. Their friendship actually began after their college entrance exam to the University of Illinois, when they shared a Giordano's deep-dish pizza in west loop, all while Lindsay talked his ear off about how this pizza isn't as good as Lou Malnati's but you may like it but if you don't we can go try another place another time. He listened patiently, likely thinking dang this girl talk a lot and fast, but more pizza for me then. By the time they arrived to Urbana-Champaign, they realized they were living in the same dorm, FAR, which kept them in close proximity to build on the bond that was instantly established. For four years, Rashaud and Lindsay would confide in and support one another as friends. In 2003, Lindsay departed for the workforce and Rashaud remained a student, working to complete his degree. It's a silly fact he likes to mention often, "we graduated in different years." However, the duo would continue to keep in touch, hanging out from time to time while in Chicago until Lindsay ventured off to LA and Rashaud transitioned into another era of life's journey. Although distance has been a reoccurring theme in their friendship, it never stopped them from remaining a constant in one another's lives. Life has taken them up, down and around but in May 2018 they somehow found themselves right back across a table from one another sharing a meal and Lindsay once again talking a lot and fast, LoL. Met with a farewell embrace and a promise of something more, they embarked on a shared adventure that stretched across the country, with Lindsay living in Las Vegas and Rashaud in the southeast. Daily conversations, along with lots & lots of written letters kept them connected, creating an intimacy neither of them had experienced. Finding themselves both ready to take their relationship to the next level, Rashaud and Lindsay each relocated back to Chicago in 2021. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder and that could not be truer when it comes to this couple. Sometimes what's for you is within an eye's view and just may take 20 years to realize it and take action. Rashaud and Lindsay value the friendship that strengthens their relationship and the dedication they both have for their sons, Rashaud ll and Tristan. The family they have curated through great intention and love is a testament to how they will approach married life together, forever.