There are no accidents in God’s universe. We cross paths . . . events happen . . . people meet . . . and life changes, all according to His Divine plan. Traciee and Michael first crossed paths in December 2016 at a local Jazz spot in downtown Portland to hear a friend perform his last concert there because the club was closing its doors. As God would have it, Michael purchased the very last ticket sold for that show.

After coming into the club, Michael found a lovely woman sitting in the seat he had purchased (she later alleged it was an honest “mistake”). It turned out to be Traciee. But instead of personally informing her of the seating mistake, Michael asked the club hostess to deliver the message. UH-OH! ☹ Thank goodness Traciee had a sense of humor. She graciously moved one seat over – and proceeded to ignore Michael during the performer’s first set, “pretending” to be amused by the two gentlemen from Seattle sitting to her left. 😲

Before the second set began, Traciee went to the ladies' room and caught a glimpse of Michael’s eyes . . . DAMN IT!! What is it they say can happen at first sight? They talked, Michael bought her a drink and before she left, he performed the ultimate flex by giving Traciee his Portland Trailblazer business card. She texted him later that same night, to let him know she made it home safely😉

Traciee and Michael went on their first date several weeks later, but Michael’s workaholic pace in the NBA wasn’t kind to either of them. Unfortunately, their first shot at romance fizzled out. The Lord still had some work to do.

ENTER GOD AND HIS BLESSING OF PATIENCE, PRAYER & PERSISTENCE!! Traciee was moved by the holy spirit to reach out to Michael periodically, and she did so for about 18 months. When Michael landed his current position at the University of Portland in 2019, Traciee boldly requested they meet for dinner and celebrate.

Talk about better timing . . . 😊

That new “date-a-versary” was July 18, 2019. Traciee and Michael have been joined at the hip since then, frolicking up and down the Oregon coast . . . traversing the Columbia River Gorge . . . hiking in Washington State (something that still amazes Michael’s children and grandchildren) . . . listening to music in the park . . . and enjoying just about every hotel in and around the Portland metro area, as consenting adults, of course. 🥰

Today, they start a new life together, courtesy of patience, prayer and persistence...,Until Jesus Comes