Deon and I first met in 2005 during our Master’s program at Troy University. One of our classes was held offsite at Pratt & Whitney, where Deon worked. At the time, I was frustrated about having to attend a class at a workplace where I was the only student who didn’t work there.

However, everything changed when I found myself seated across from Deon. As soon as our eyes

met, I had a feeling he was interested—and sure enough, he eventually started talking to me. We dated for a little over a year, but timing wasn’t on our side, and we eventually parted ways. Despite the separation, he left a lasting impression on me. Over the years, in conversations with my friends, one question would always come up: “Who is the best man you’ve ever dated?” Without hesitation, my answer was always Deon. I truly believed he came into my life in my mid-twenties to remind me that good guys do exist.

By the end of 2021, I began praying deeply for God to prepare me to be a wife. I even purchased a 30-day prayer book for my future husband, going through the prayers and exercises as if he were already in my life.

To my surprise, Deon reached out to me on Facebook Messenger, over 17 years later from the date we parted ways. His message was simple and thoughtful: he wanted to say hello, express how proud he was of my accomplishments, and encourage me to reach out when I had time. After a few hours (I had to make him wait!), I replied, saying it was good to hear from him and that I would call him once my campaign for the Board of Education was over.

When we finally spoke weeks later, our conversation was heart-healing. Several months passed, and by late spring of 2023, we officially started dating again—and we’ve never looked back. We often joke that time flies when you’re having fun, but one thing is clear: God’s timing is

the best timing. Everything came together just as it was meant to be.