Sterling spent weeks meeting with my family, unknown to me. He expressed his intentions for me and his love. He wanted their blessing on his proposal of marriage. He met individually with my: son Gerald, daughter Taylor, sister Phyllis, brother Kenny and brother Lawrence He had my engagement ring custom made. When it was ready, he showed it to my sister Phyllis first. I didn’t suspect he would propose this day. It was a regular family lunch at Culver’s. As lunch was over and we were preparing to leave, Sterling stood up and said, “can I have everyone’s attention? … so today I’m asking Sonya … (pulling the ring out of his pocket) … to marry me." You can see the whole proposal in the video above. I’m so in love with him. He is the sweetest, kindest person I have ever met in my ENTIRE life.

1966 to 1972 we lived next door to each other on McPherson Street 1980 to 1983 we went to Osborn High together 1989 we lived down the street from each other 2016 his best friend and best man, Lonnie, worked at the same company I worked at. I didn’t know he kept tabs on me for Sterling up to the present. 2021 tragedy struck the Everhart family and that which was destined to be “happened”. We were instantly drawn to each other. Sterling was my safe haven, a steady shoulder to cry on and my strength to bare the pain. From that day, we were never parted. We talked or saw each other every day, building on a love that continues to amaze us both.