Mark and I met back in 2011 when I became a teacher at a school in DC. I never paid attention to him in the beginning because I wasn’t looking. Eventually, I took notice of his bald head, and to top it off, he could dance! Our friendship quickly developed. From late-night phone calls, so he could reach home after work at night to a road trip to North Carolina. He would say I made the first move, it's true. We had our first date in March 2013 and the rest is history.
8 years' worth of memories and more to come. During this journey, we’ve been blessed to have our daughter, Mikayla, and experience parenthood while loving and learning each other. Mark, I am thankful to God for bringing us together. You have become my best friend, my calm when I get ahead of myself, and my prayer partner. You are an incredible father with love, compassion, and patience. Boo Bae, we’re in this for life!
July 10, 2020: I tried to think of the perfect gift this year for Hazara and I birthdays. I could not come up with anything and I was puzzled for weeks. So, I went shopping and found myself in Kay Jewelers! I looked at watches, earrings, charms, etc., but then this ring caught my eye and it was in the engagement ring section. I looked at numerous ones before picking the one I believed Zara would like.
Not to sure of my decision, I reached out to one of her girlfriends to make sure the ring I chose was on point. “And what do you know?”, I was! I called around many places to set up a party but it was a the height of the COVID-19 breakout. Not able to find a place that would allow a lot of people, I decided to propose to her at home. I called close friends and family to tell them to be at the house at a certain time to witness in person or drive-through and wave.
Hazara had no idea what was going to happen because she had the idea that we were going to my cousins for a small gathering. On her way to walk to the car, she was met by family, friends, and myself with a small box in my hand. I wasn’t sure what her answer would be but when she said yes I received a one-of-a-kind gift that I will treasure for life!
~Mark