I met Omar in 2018 while at a community service event organized by a mutual friend (David - you will meet him later). I was the driver in my caravan, and he was in the passenger's seat navigating in between homeless encampments. The community service event was a success, and we parted ways. I may have seen Omar and his twin brother out in Berkeley once after that time, but we never spoke again.
In May 2020, I came home from work to find a mouse in my apartment. Of course, I called the only male friend I had - David. David was happy to catch my mouse, but told me he could send his friend over instead. He said "by the way my friend has been asking about you." I had ABSOLUTELY no interest in meeting or making new friends, but desperately needed the mouse gone. Omar and I connected through David, and he instructed me on what items to get to help him trap the mouse. One of the items included peanut butter, and decided then I just knew this whole situation would be foolish!
Omar arrived around 6:30pm and started laying traps. After laying traps, we waited... and waited... and waited for over two and half hours making conversation. The mouse however, was still in hiding. It was getting late, and Omar decided to head home - it was close to 9pm. Before he left he decided to mute the television, and voila the mouse was caught. He disposed of the mouse, and asked to see me again over the weekend. I felt indebted to him so I made arrangements to hang out. I was grateful the mouse was gone.
Mind you, all of this happened May 2020 in the middle of Covid pandemic.
We started hanging out and watching movies at home because we were on stay at home restrictions. It was clear to me that Omar planned on hanging around and was serious about what he wanted. He was down-to-earth, kind, humble, and loved his family. In my mind I thought he would lose interest after weeks of me giving him the "cold shoulder."
I wasn't sure of Omar's intentions so I consulted our mutual friend, David. David spoke highly of Omar. He spoke about their friendship, his willingness and his commitment to finding love. He said Omar was MARRIAGE MATERIAL.
After a few more inquiries to David, I decided to give Omar a chance. It is THE BEST decision I ever made. We are a great match for each other, and we have found true partnership in one another.
My mother means everything to me. So of course, I told her I was dating someone which was a huge step (not many have made the cut). I think all she wanted to hear was "grandchildren" when I talked about Omar.
I took Omar to Atlanta to meet my mother for Thanksgiving 2020. My mother put Omar right to work changing smoke detectors, and lights for the kitchen. At some point Omar tried to talk to my mom about us getting married, but he became tongue-tied. He eventually got through the conversation with a little assistance from me. Lol.
Needless to say she gave her blessing, and is waiting for grandchildren. :-)
Omar and I decided that we were committed to each other. Early on we agreed we both wanted partnership and a family. It was no surprise to me that Omar would propose at some point; however the timing was a surprise.
For Christmas, his mother invited us to brunch. We decided to meet at his place an hour before going to his mothers. Omar however kept asking me to come over even earlier. I complained and whined and said there was no need for me to come over early to open "special gifts."
Later that evening, it dawned upon me that the special gift could be a proposal. So on Christmas morning, I awakened early, and put on make-up and fixed my hair. I avoided make-up for Covid entirely.
I went to Omar's place on Christmas morning. There he proposed! I didn't say yes immediately, but I stared at him and smiled. Eventually, I said yes and he placed a beautiful ring on my finger!
I stare at it every day.