One thing I have done that my past self would be proud of is giving love a chance. I grew up very closed off from men because my dad told me at a young age not to trust them. Now that I am older, I realize my dad was just being a typical father by shielding his princess from the unworthy frogs. What he didn’t know was that I took his words very literal and closed my heart to every guy, boy, and man that ever tried to be with me. Don’t get me wrong, the idea of falling in love was not completely etched out of my brain. In fact, I entertained a couple of romantic relationships in my late teens to early young adult life. Despite those small efforts, my heart remained close until one day.

One day there was a gentlemen I met at church when I moved to New York that took interest in me. I had this rule that I will not date coworkers or church members – always felt like it was too close for comfort. Either way, it wasn’t until I switched membership where we were able to officially hang out. After that glorious day, the rest was history. We were inseparable, got engaged, and now happily married. Now don’t get me wrong, there was much grief to overcome together during those years with surviving a pandemic and dealing with the loss of dearly missed loved ones. With everything that we have endured, God has kept us.

God has shown me that love was always apart of my story. No matter the shields I so aggressively held against the door of my heart, that all it takes is one to soften it. My younger self would definitely appreciate where I am now. Although, I still have some healing to do, I’m grateful that God has graced me with a partner who gladly wants to accompany me and help me heal through his patience and diligent love. I’m grateful that I can experience the beauty of love at midnight. It may have come at the 11th hour for some, but just in time for me! I love you baabeesss!