It's Happening!!!

We met as sophomores in the halls of Warren G. Harding High School back in the late 1900's (haha). We knew of each other and had mutual social circles, however we never really got to know each other personally. I think we even rode the same bus. After graduation in 2000, Mark went to the military and traveled the world, Monique went to college and moved around the country. Over time, life experiences led us both to Columbus, OH. Monique had discovered a new-found passion for theatre life, and Mark was interested in breaking into the industry. Mark reached out to Monique via Facebook to inquire about ways to get involved. The conversations were brief and professional. However, one day, Mark asked a few more in-depth questions that led to more conversation. By the end of the day, we had scheduled our first date, and the rest…is history!

It was a cold night……..in Ohio……....in December, and Mark was sitting on the balcony deep in thought. I had just woken up from a much-needed adult nap (I love to sleep). I poked my head outside trying to figure out what Mark was doing, and I was just a little concerned. I asked Mark what was wrong. He gave me some deep philosophical answer about, not knowing which steps to take, knowing where you are supposed to go and your purpose in life. He then broke out in tears and scared the crap out of me. I asked him again what was wrong and encouraged him to talk to me about it. He gave me more philosophical stuff while I just listened. Then he jumped up and said, “I’ll be right back". Like a flash, he disappeared and left me standing there totally confused. A few minutes later he returned and asked me, "do you ever feel like you are supposed to do something but you are so scared because of what you've been through". I said, "well what is God saying?" He smiled at me, took a deep breath, got down on one knee and started singing "When I first saw you, I said Oh My, that's my dream, that's my dream" (that's from Dreamgirls). Thankfully I know that entire movie/musical by heart, or I would have had no idea what he was saying haha. We both cried for quite a bit, before we finally gained our composure and Mark simply asked "Monique Cutrice Franklin, Will you marry me"...….and I Said Yeeeeeeeessss!!!!

We are so excited about this new phase in our journeys, and we look forward to celebrating with our family and friends. And so, our adventure begins.....