In the spring of 2002, I was on my first tour with the Federal Government working at the Department of Education. While working hard one day I got hungry. I said to myself (self, let’s walk to McDonald's). As I walked into McDonalds I saw these light blue jeans with little pockets. I couldn’t quite tell if the pockets were that small or if she was just that… well… you know. Anyways, I looked at that woman and said WOW, she is BEAUTIFUL! So, I decided to shoot my shot. I was alone and if she rejected me at that moment no one would know but me and Christ. So I introduced myself, she smiled and told me her name was Adia. I said to myself, my mama's name is Ada. I wonder if she is anything like my mama? We talked on and off for over a decade. Always keeping in touch, hanging out, and learning one another. Over the years she never changed and was always there no matter what my life offered me. We both have been through life and learned many valuable lessons. Life has a funny way of bringing you full circle, and my circle ended right where it started with her. God brought me to a place where I needed a wife and I am excited to start this journey with my life partner, forever friend, and soon to be wife, Mrs. Adia Ruffin. After all of these years, I still haven’t quite figured out the size of those pockets!

All I remember is we met at McDonald's during the lunch rush. I was working for the Federal Aviation Administration at the time and decided to get some cardio in by walking to McDonald's for some fires (don’t judge me). I am sure he said something funny which made me give up the number. It also didn’t hurt that he was tall, dark, and handsome! Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that one meeting would turn into a decade long friendship. Although we were on and off for many years we always remained in a good place. No matter how much time we were apart, we always found our way back together. I always knew I wanted to be with him, I saw the potential in him and I knew he was a good man. I was just waiting for him to catch up with the obvious plan God set in motion. Now that I’m thinking about it, he should have known I was the one when he realized my name was so close to his mother’s (divine intervention). All in all, I am so happy that he chose me and that we were fortunate to have that transition time to mature. I know this man was made especially for me. He makes me want to be a better person and I am so fortunate and grateful to have him. I cannot wait to start this new chapter with him and our children. The future Mrs. Adia Ruffin… It has a nice ring to it if I say so myself!