We can all agree that the year 2020 wasn’t the greatest for anyone. That year was the year I had lost my nana, however but was blessed with meeting my best friend, Charles:). I did the unthinkable and created an account with Tinder. And honestly I wasn’t hopeful on finding anything. Day 1- I scrolled and swiped left I’m not sure how many times; even swiping on Charles. In all honesty, didn’t believe he was real. Day 2- I was scrolling and once again saw his profile pop up. I thought to myself, once you swipe left, aren’t they not to suppose to show back up? But I read briefly through his profile and then swiped left. I told myself, a military man wouldn’t want someone as crazy as me, so nah. And before I went to bed that night, I prayed and said, “Lord if it’s in the cards for me and if this is what and how I’m supposed to find someone, let me find him tomorrow.” I closed the app and went to bed. Day 3- THERE. HE. WAS. THE. FIRST. PROFILE. THAT. POPPED. UP. Third day in a row. “This has to be a sign, right?” That’s what I told myself and said alright fine. So I swiped right, and that’s all it took. Swiping right [even after believing this man wasn’t real and me taking three whole days to figure out, uhhh YEAH DUH HE’S REAL GIRLFRIEND], was the best thing I could have ever done.

In May 2023, Charles’s aunt, uncle, himself and I all planned a birthday trip for him in Destin, Florida. It was a beautiful place. We spent a ton of time by the water, taking pictures, soaking up the sun, and enjoying each other’s company. In our final night there, Charles wanted us to share one last sunset on the beach together. Little did I know, this was going to be a sunset to remember in a beautiful place that will forever hold a home in my heart forever. As I was watching the sky turn into a beautiful purple and pink color, a crowd in the distance started cheering with happiness. When I went to turn around, there he was, Charles on one knee, looking up at me asking me to marry him! Oh of course I said yes.