Told By Merrissa

It was the summer of Covid in 2019, and I found myself diving headfirst in building “We All Smile”, a non-profit I just started. In my search for local businesses to join hands in our mission, I came upon Scoops’N’Smiles.

So I admit, I did an Instagram “exploration”. One night, probably after a glass of wine, I slid into Akain's Instagram DMs. We talked for a while and I proudly told him I would show him around West Chester.

He came over one night and we sat on the back porch of my apartment, where we shared many stories, laughed a lot, and talked about our goals. It was one of the best conversations I have had in a long time.

I vividly remember that evening and a funny story was that I proudly showcased my brand-new backpack, gearing up for another school year. Akain, in sync with my excitement, revealed his new backpack too. Little did he know, that was just the beginning of the many school stories he was destined to hear.

The following day I got a text from Akain inviting me for tacos. I remember I was coaching and closing up the gym, and the rush of emotions and thinking that he actually liked me! Living just a block away from his West Chester store, we met in the middle of the street.

The night before, I was ranting about the new school year was about to begin, and the lack of PPE equitment. To my surprise, Akain greeted me with an entire package of PPE equipment—he said I figured these are better than flowers, it was a gesture that spoke volumes and just made me smile =)

After hanging out about three times, we finally shared our first kiss and I remember being like finally, but I texted my sister, Macalla, saying I think I just had my last first kiss.

Picture this: Merrissa and I, two individuals from opposite sides of America living life in a whirlwind of conflicting schedules. If my life were a romantic comedy, we might have crossed paths in a bar, shared a drink, and ended up as great friends, never realizing the potential for something more. But fate had other plans for us.

The pandemic, the ultimate plot twist of 2019, brought us two together on Merrissa's back porch with glasses of wine and a shared realization: laughter was our common language, and growth was on the menu.

Reflecting on our unconventional journey through the twists and turns of life and love, I couldn't have scripted this, even in my wildest dreams. It's been one heck of a roller-coaster ride, with each turn promising a 'hold my wine or in my case, tequila”, watch this' moment!"

Our relationship isn't just about cuddles and cozy nights; it's quite the opposite; it's a masterclass in mutual improvement. I joke often, "Merrissa took my 'organized chaos' and taught me the magic of color-coding. I've never seen my calendar look so alive if you don’t believe me. I currently have a 2 foot by 4 foot whiteboard calendar hanging in my kitchen.

Our story isn't a fairy tale; but merely our perfectly..imperfect love journey. We continue to work hard to turn each other's weaknesses into strengths, laughing through the learning curves and celebrating the triumphs along the way.

Merrissa keeps me on my toes, a perpetual source of unpredictability. I'm never quite sure what witty remark she'll unleash for our next "adventure" or when she'll call me up with that saying, "Guess what Baby." Whether it's planning a weekend adventure or sharing the latest piece of exciting news, each moment with Merrissa is an invitation to embrace the unexpected twists that life throws our way. Her spontaneity is the secret ingredient that keeps our journey lively, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

In our unconventional tale, Merrissa and I are the catalysts for each other's growth, turning life's stumbling blocks into stepping stones. We have created a partnership that's not just about love but about becoming better versions of ourselves.

Our journey is a testament to the fact that amidst life's chaos, finding someone who challenges you to grow, laugh at mishaps, and savor every wild moment is the real happily-ever-after.