Sometime in early 2021, Max and I were introduced to each other at church by one of our mutual friends (thank you, Jodi!). For weeks, we would see each other at church and have small (I mean, very small) talk. Week after week, Max would ask me the same question - "how's school going?" Eventually, in May of 2021, I graduated from nursing school and Jodi threw me a little graduation party at her house. My best friend, Shantelle, had sent Jodi a message and told her to invite Max. She then invited us to go out to lunch with Max after the party (I'm tellin ya, this girl knows my heart and supports me relentlessly, and I assure you, there is not a shy bone in her body).

This graduation party and lunch date were the start of the biggest blessing in my life. After Max met my dog and was quickly Snoop-approved, the rest is history. It only took a couple of dates for me to learn that this man was more kind, patient, gentle, considerate and loving than I could've ever dreamed of.

I first met Samantha out of the blue at church. She was a greeter at the main entrance and looked so freaking adorable with a beautiful smile and shiny brown eyes. We were introduced after the service and I told her about how I lost a foot chase at work and needed to get in the gym. Four years later, I still haven't gotten to the gym.

After weeks of asking her how nursing school was going every Sunday and being too shy to shoot my shot, I was invited to her graduation party at a friends house, which she was not aware of until that day. I was beyond nervous. After the get together I advised I was going to get some food before work. Her friend invited herself and Sam to join me since they thought eating alone was weird. After lunch, I asked Samantha for her phone number, and the rest is history.