Some people equate the feeling of falling in love to having a racing heartbeat, nervousness, sweating uncontrollably or even the feeling of having a heart attack but personally speaking, falling in love with Tamika was quite the contrary. This is our story... On March 13, 2022 through all the doubts and reluctance I had with regards to dating I took a chance on a dating app where I connected with Tamika. Now as a son of Jamaican soil, separately from her lovely lips, I was mesmerized by Tamika's friendly charismatic island girl personality, we immediately clicked and a great friendship was formed. We would talk for hours, even in our early stages of friendship and being that we're from two different parts of the world our conversations are always exciting and interesting. I felt her warm embrace everytime we talked even with a simple good morning. Fast forward to April 9th, our very first date, the first time seeing each other in the flesh. I can still remember it like it was yesterday, standing in the lobby talking to the hostess. The entrance doors opened and that cool wind that accompanied her graceful presence as she entered the building carresed my face. By then, I'm looking at her not paying any attention to what the hostess was saying, I was fixed on how lovely she was. I went to her and hugged her. Funny thing is I didn't feel a rush of anxiety nor was there a racing heartbeat or nervousness. Instead it was like we've known each other for years. In her presence I felt comfort and serenity, I was so relaxed and wanted to continue holding on to her hands, hugging her and smelling her chocolate vanilla skin. Due to work and the distance between us, it would be weeks after our first date until we saw each other again. However, we stayed in contact every single day by phone. Always consistent and intentional with one another especially about spending time together and learning more about our families, friends and interests. Tamika's loving, caring and selfless ways towards me and people in general was what got me! Along with the way she speaks to me, encourages me and loves me for me. I recall when I knew for sure....I had fallen very ill at work and couldn't leave. Tamika found out and had everything from medicine to food delivered to my work place to get me better. She made me feel like a king even while she was so far away. I felt seen, I felt like I was enough and thats when I knew I wanted this feeling for a lifetime. I'm happy to say she still makes me feel the same way today. It's with great pleasure to solidify my intentions in her life by taking her hand in marriage and spending the rest of my life with her.

I realize everyone has their own love story and ours is definitely a great one in my eyes. I never saw this coming and it is better than I could have imagined. To be loved fully, flaws and all is priceless. Saint and I met on a whim in a way that neither of us ever anticipated. On my birthday this year I vowed to try new things. I decided to finally give online dating a try (shout out to Hinge) and on the very next day after creating my profile Saint liked my photo. I decided to respond to him by telling him he had very kind eyes.... the rest is history! We have not gone a day since without speaking to or seeing eachother. In that moment I never would've guessed I would be planning my wedding that same year! However, as time flew by our friendship and bond grew and my future began to look very different. From the first moment I saw his handsome face that chilly day in April, we embraced and everyone else around faded into the background. Only he and I existed at that moment, that moment was surreal and even as I write I can smell his cologne. It was as if we were old friends reuniting, so effortless and familiar. I didn't want our time together to end. I was also pleasantly surprised he was more handsome in the flesh! I specifically remember when I knew that I knew he was it for me; I was faced with a health scare I had to address a few months ago. Of course I trusted God with the outcome but at times I would get overwhelmed with the idea of leaving my chidren. It was comforting and reassuring to have a man by my side to stand flat footed and unmovable when fear would creep in, his faith that God would heal and keep me helped me in ways I can't explain. He demonstrated a level of patience, consistency, gentleness and firmness that I had never experienced before in a relationship. He covered me fully, in every area and it was at those moments I truly saw our forever manifesting. It wasn't just that he Nursed the Nurse back to health but his every move was truly intentional and without hesitation to assure my every need was met and I could focus on recovering. Our paths crossed for a purpose on purpose. We are always intentional in the way we love and care for one another. God knew exactly what we both needed and it's as if we were created specifically for the other. Saint gets me, he sees me and I never have to apologize for being me. He is my person and I am so excited to begin our forever together! Mrs. Thompson loading......