I first noticed Ramon as he entered the lecture hall during one of our first classes in medical school. My best friend and I were people watching and he was our next target. I already had a fantastic circle of friends from Howard undergrad, so I started medical school with a “no new friends” attitude and he made the “do not friend” list on sight! I was just there to get my degree and move on. He was far too friendly.
Although I still wasn’t interested in meeting new people, Ramon eventually ended up with my number and contacted me to hang out one evening during Howard’s homecoming. I told him it was ok to visit me at my friend’s apartment, but I was certain he was just full of talk and wouldn’t show up. NO ONE ditches a homecoming event to just lounge around with a stranger and her friends. Plus, he had already admitted that he was out with his fraternity brothers, which made me even more confident that he wouldn’t leave a party AND his friends for me.
When he called to say that he was at the concierge desk of the building, I was completely shocked! When he told me he had left his friends, walked several blocks, and caught a cab just to keep his word to me, I knew I was in trouble! That situation showed me that he was determined (he walked and took a cab!), reliable (he kept his word), and full of surprises (he actually showed up!). From that point on he had my attention and there was suddenly room for something new. Every interaction after that just solidified that I wanted him around and I could envision spending forever with him.
It was a bright and sunny day. The birds were chirping and...just kidding. It was one of my first days on the campus of Howard University and it was pouring rain! I needed to make a trip up “the hill” to the administration building but I had no umbrella. Fortunately, a good (looking) Samaritan pulled up in front of the medical school and offered to drive a few of us to the building. Even though I had to ride cramped up with two other people in the back seat of her convertible, I was thankful that I didn’t have to get wet. Her kindness and beauty stood out to me from that day forward. She was a quiet young lady, which made me even more curious to get to know her. Somewhere along the line, I guess I returned the favor and became known as her “Taxi”. I didn’t mind because it gave me the opportunity to get to know her better. And as time went on, she became my study partner allowing me to learn about medicine and more about her. Flash-forward through countless exams, trips to the airport and parties (hey, we were entitled to take a break from school sometimes), I realized that I wanted to be with her not only on rainy days, but everyday for the rest of my life!
Ramon proposed on November 20, 2013.
The night before, he mentioned that he wanted to go to this restaurant we had been talking about for over a year (1618 Seafood Grille in Greensboro, NC. It’s fantastic!). I was excited to finally go and thought it would be a great way to celebrate him completing the medical licensing exam.
The evening of the proposal, he asked me to make the reservation. He claimed he had forgotten and needed me to do it while he ran home to change for dinner. I agreed to make the reservation…but it almost didn’t get done! I remembered his request in the middle of a conference call for work. Thankfully, I was able to step away and make the reservation for 2 at 8pm. I felt super lucky that they could squeeze us in and breathed a sigh of relief.
When we arrived at the restaurant, the hostess asked for the name on the reservation and I replied “Kinloch”. I think that shocked him a little. I NEVER use his name when I make a reservation and I have no clue what made me do it this time. Everything about dinner was perfect! Ramon even encouraged me to take pictures of our meal, which also NEVER happens (in public). It felt like a first date. Everything felt new and fresh.
Before dessert, Ramon excused himself to go to the restroom. I was left at the table alone, so naturally I pulled out my iPhone and started texting friends and checking social media. While under the hypnotizing power of the iPhone, I noticed that the music in the restaurant changed. They started playing Anita Baker’s “Angel”. It’s one of my favorite songs. “Angel” is my nickname and my grandmother used to sing the song to me. So without thinking about it, I started singing and swaying to the music while I awaited his return.
Ramon was still missing, when our waiter placed what I believed were the dessert menus face down on the table. I thought that was weird, but dismissed it to get to the business of selecting dessert. (I really like dessert!) As I began to read the “menu”, I was completely confused! My first thought was “this is a strange looking menu”. Followed by “how does the waiter know I went to Howard and what does this have to do with dessert!?”
It wasn’t until I was halfway through the “menu” and heard the gasps of other patrons that I realized the “menu” was actually a love note from Ramon (and he was next to my chair on bended knee.) Unlike most girls, I didn’t cry. My immediate reaction was to laugh hysterically. It was so unexpected. As I laughed, he asked would I marry him…I just continued to laugh. Eventually, I said “yes”.
It was a great night and one of the best meals EVER!