How we met? It was an unexpected blessing. I was getting some clothing tailored and through conversation, Amarachi was suggested as someone I should pursue. They (Dados and wife) hyped her up; intelligent, humble, beautiful, comes from a good family. I'm asking, "why is she single then?" Come to find out she was in school for her Doctorate in Pharmacy...in Illinois...and she wasn't about getting involved in a relationship at that moment. Got her number though and waited until Dados hyped me up to her before I would put my charm on.
One hiccup though; the picture I got of her was all grainy and in poor quality. Looked like one of those pics someone would use on the show Catfish (it was truly sad and misleading; but did notice she had some pretty eyes). I was about to hit the exit button and dip but...
Through initial conversion and texting, the communication would become habitual daily. Three months of no physical contact, it would seem that we would run out of things to ask/answer or run into some conflict. Extraordinarily, dialogue between us became seamless and effortless. At times reaching up to hours on the phone without noticing. We matched up well, she's a talker and myself a listener (don't let her tell you otherwise, lol). Eventually, substantial feelings would develop and become strongly imprinted onto both hearts.
The time would come though where the urge to meet was paramount. When we both had availability, we met in houston and had our first date.
We finally were able to see each other when I came home for the holidays. The weekend after Thanksgiving Lionel came down to Houston. I met him outside of his hotel so that we could drive together. I was feeling kinda nervous because I was finally meeting the person I had been talking to for the past 3 months.
He asked me where I wanted to go and I said Pappadeaux! So we drove there together and in the car Lionel kept saying, "why you so quiet, don’t be all nervous." He then proceeded to make conversations and joked for me to open up.
The first date went well, we laughed, we talked, we ate and drank. Since Lionel was in Houston for the weekend we enjoyed each other’s company by going on several outings that weekend from movies, to restaurants and then a gun range.
Literally every weekend afterwards we saw each other. Then in December of 2018, Lionel asked me out officially to be his girlfriend and the rest was history.
Yeah, this part! I've always held the belief that towards a relationship with a woman, time has to be invested wisely. At around 1.5 years, though prayer and consistently challenging each other in every facet possible; it was time to propose. I wanted my dream girl and my wild imaginations of her to also be what I wake up to.
Now planning a proposal is a mighty task. Exacting a milestone event for a woman that I love takes time and precision. Taking those very same elements and making it a surprise proposal; it was gonna be way bigger than what I could do alone. That involved utilizing her friends and my sisters as the majority for resources. From the beginning meant getting the ring (imagine having over 10 females voicing what needed to be required for the ring, lol). Then using a bait and switch scheme to lure her to a location. Assembling family and friends to that very same location without anyone being late. Lying to her so she didn't get a clue of what was coming. Lastly, making sure she was the best dressed and laced for the occasion.
The easy part was the question. Why? Because like a cheat sheet, I already knew the answer. What made this event spectacular was the journey her face made through the whole event. Surprise, shock, tearful, joyous, shock again (because of the ring; thanks ladies), speechless and happy.
And then pull up to the after party! Many thanks to my brother, we were able to turn up even more at the after hour spot. Plenty of food and drinks with the parents dancing to hip hop. Celebrating with my family, my new family and friends made the night special. Celebrating with my new future wife right then, began my life being complete.