Our love story could very easily be a movie on the Lifetime channel. It is a story of friendship, love and faith. It’s a story of patience and a real belief that God has a plan for all of us, even when we give up. Tommy and I met 31 years ago and almost immediately became best friends. He had a “little crush”, but I loved the idea of friendship, so I friend zoned him. We pushed each other to finish school, supported each other in every way and became the best of friends in the process. He was my BFF for 10 years, but God had bigger plans for Tommy and those plans required him to leave the state. He followed his dream of becoming an educator, got married, had two amazing children and lived his life. I stayed in Atlanta, pursued my dreams in the music business, started a nonprofit for homeless and low-income families and eventually also ended up working in education. As life would have it, we eventually stopped speaking to each other, and sadly ended our friendship. I never married and never had children. Once I turn 50, I completely gave up on the idea of marriage. Family and friends told me not to give up, but I resigned myself to believe this was God's plan for me. My bestie Scott Harris pushed me more than anyone else. Scott advised me not to give up, instead continue to pray. This time, pray only for the 3 most important things you would like in a life partner. So, I asked God for kindness, someone to treat me amazing and a man of Faith. Fast forward to 2020, while planning my annual Blankets of Love Outreach Christmas event, Tommy (whom I had not spoken to in 21 years) reached out to me on my BOL page. I probably read that message two or three times, debating on whether or not to call him. Something however in my spirit told me to give him a call. This turned out to be the best decision I have ever made. We spoke once a week, then twice, then every day. That phone call was the reintroduction of our friendship and the beginning of our love story. We live in different states but see each other more than people who live in the same state. We are one and the same. He believes in the little things that make me smile daily. We laugh together, sing together, chill together and pray together. This time around God decided we would be more than friends, this time around we would fall in love. His love for me is like nothing I can describe. I asked God for 3 things, he gave me everything I asked for and added things I didn’t realize I also needed. I ask myself daily, how did this happen to me? I had given up. When I think of the answer, I am reminded that God has a real plan for all of us. Our journey is not our own. When we are falling, he is catching us, we are crying he is wiping out tears, and when we give up, He does not. Nothing is too hard for God, and it is never too late. God always has the last word. Don’t rush God, be patient, and watch what happens…. At the age of 54, I have found the love of my life. And today, I said yes….40 plus years is what Tommy and I have promised each other.