It was truly love at first sight for me but I knew there would be a timeline involved (saves long story for Bach trip). Justin and I met in college with orgs and career endeavors pulling us in many different directions. After college the real magic happened. We were inseparable but always so many miles apart. My friends could not count on just one hand alone how many times we fell asleep on facetime together. We are both well traveled and I definitely made a big move I would not regret in 2016. Our relationship blossomed in Pittsburgh. Our friends and family lifted us up in every way as we evolved individually in our careers and new hobbies. I did not see his triathlon proposal coming but I will forever be floating on cloud nine. It's been the fairytale he promised ever since.
I always loved watching Ayanna do her thing in college. She stood out in any room, at any event. After college I always made sure she knew our bond was real in my own way. I was really dating my best friend and the opportunity to let our love grow in Pittsburgh is unmatched. We always keep God first, respect one another and relentlessly reinforce our bond any chance we get. We started to develop a family dynamic over the years (thanks pup). My first triathlon was never for me or making great times. It was always about crossing the finishline with my baby. She said yes!
Ayanna POV: First and foremost, Justin is always striving to be his best self for me! It is quite funny how things work out...I was not even going to go to his first triathlon because my counseling certification exam got pushed back and I was not in the mood. Yet, there I was in the car on the way to Maryland still not putting two and two together that we were headed to my birthplace. When we got to the Airbnb I thought to myself, this is way too big for the group of us that were there. Nonetheless, I was ecstatic that so many of our friends made it work to join us on Justin's race day. Little did I know, Justin's element of surprise would have me celebrating with them and so many more!
There we were on October 17, 2020 piled in the car at 5am headed to his race day like it was nothing. I should have known when he insisted Riley come all that way with us that something was up. I told Justin that he had to do the swim portion and not just the run, bike, run and he definitely got in 54 degrees water for me! I knew he could do it! 2 hours later my friends were telling me where to stand with riley as Justin was finishing his last leg of the triathlon on foot. I love pictures and videos and told them I know where to stand to get my best shot of Justin crossing the finish line. Boy, was wrong!!
Justin started running towards me and I thought to myself, "Oh no, something is wrong, let me cheer him on and get him across the finish line because he does not play about his times." There I was being all positive when Justin began to hold me and I was like, "Ok, my cheering is not working. He's not finishing the race." He was being really loving and saying so many affirming statements about our relationships. I was elated and confused. Then he showed me a towel that I thought he got along the triathlon and thought to myself, "Stop picking up stuff during COVID. lol." After I read it I took my own dang mask off! In my birthplace with a Jamaican enthused theme Justin got down on one knee and popped the question!!! I have been daydreaming about what that moment would look and feel like and he exceeded my wildest dreams!!!
Our family and friends that I have not seen since moving to Pittsburgh were hiding out for two hours to surprise me. That day was full of bonus moments. Justin threw us the best social distancing engagement party following the proposal. I felt like the luckiest girl on the planet and I definitely ugly cried more than once that day. Having my cousins, Baltimore family, god parents, FAU family, Chile friends, Pitt friends etc. all under one roof instantly changed the way I go about living my life with Justin. I lead with gratitude and wellness more than I ever have before. We have so much to be grateful for. #ThisLoveIsReal
Just when I thought things could not get any better on October 17, 2020, Justin dimmed the lights at our engagement party and turns on a video. Everyone from my grandfather's sister to my childhood neighbor sent us a celebratory clip for our engagement party. I was in shock with happy tears running down my cheeks! To be loved and accepted as one by both families and all circles of friends is a rarity I'm blessed we get to live everyday! We aim to show up for each and every one of you the way you showed up for us during our engagement!
So over-joyed with love from our village!