I remember the first day I saw him like it was yesterday. We were in Newark, New Jersey for a high school reunion because our fathers attended the same high school in Nigeria. During church I was sitting with my mom and dad when I felt eyes coming from my right side. There he was. He was sitting with members of the choir singing for that day and his friend was right next to him ( Best Man Nnabu Ohia-Enyia). I remember being like "why is he staring at me?" I honestly don't know how I felt I just know that the memory is engraved in my head and I can picture the exact scene. I even know what he was wearing lol.. Although I saw him during church we didn't speak until later on that weekend. Uwaoma actually befriended my older brothers and spent a lot of time that weekend with them playing games and hanging out. I thought it was strange that he was looking at me so intently but never said anything. lol..The last day we ended up riding the elevator at the same time (he probably planned it) but that is where we introduced ourselves, exchanged a few friendly words, and said goodbye. We promised to follow-up with each other on the myspace and then later the phone and we did just that. Uwaoma and I became friends rather quickly. We would talk on the phone so much that I got into trouble (not realizing how much long distance phone calls cost). One thing that was special about our friendship is that we could talk as if we knew each other for years. As we grew older and life became more demanding for us both, we managed to check in every once in a while and it was like we never missed a beat. A turning point in our friendship was in 2013 when I lost my mother. Uwaoma and I had not talked in a while, but when I was grieving the loss of my mother he was the most supportive, caring, and consistent friend that I never knew I needed.
Our friendship that lasted from July 2006 until Jan 2015 when we decided to try to make a long distance relationship work. I was 21 years old at the time at Baylor University and Uwaoma was 22 years old living in New Rochelle New York. We spoke on the phone or face-timed everyday from May 2014 until October 2014. During this time of talking on the phone and getting to know each other better I would always tease him about not being serious about me. Then one day HE LITERALLY SENT ME AN EMAIL WITH HIS FLIGHT ITINERARY. I was like WHATTTTTT. I guess this is happening lolll. He decided to fly to Austin, Texas to show me how serious he was about pursuing a relationship with me. Here we were about to have our first date after not seeing each other in person for a little over two years. I was so nervous. And I honestly don't get nervous about things other than exams haha. But by the Grace of God the trip was beautiful! We explored the city, ate some good Thai food and even shared the most beautiful sunset at Mt. Bonnell. After his visit to Austin things were going so well between us that we made plans to meet up with each other in DC two months later (We saw each other every two months while he still lived in New York). I was skeptical at first because of how serious things were getting and the amount of money we were spending to visit each other but with patience on his part and lots of prayer we took a chance on something we both thought would be worth it. I remember thinking to myself before we began our relationship that "I'm either going to lose my very best friend or marry this guy" Thank God for the latter lol ..
I remember telling every one about Amaka after I returned from my trip to see her in Austin. I was real young, 22 to be exact. We were both nervous, haha. We hadn't seen each other in two years or so. Naturally, there were some questions that were in the air (man, I hope she still thinks im cute, man I hope we still vibe like we did over the phone, etc.). Needless to say the trip was awesome and it was then that I made up my mind. I wanted to propose to Amaka the next time I saw her. Unfortunately, I had no money and waiting was my only option. But, the wait was worth it. In that time, I became more acquainted with Amaka. I learned to love her in a different way. Her taste, her mannerisms, her mindset. We both had to mature and grow in all aspects before I asked for her hand in marriage. I wanted to make sure that the woman I was proposing to would be a great mother to my kids and a supportive woman. When I finally decided the time was right, I had to get the blessing from my family and her family. We called a family meeting over the phone since I was away at school. My mom was surprised (Hew, Silachi'm from yesterday wanting to get married?). My Dad asked me probing questions to make sure my mind was on the right track. My sisters were all in support. Next, I went to my Aunties and Uncles who were over joyed. Like that, my family was in. Then I went to her family, bringing gifts to ask for permission to propose to Amaka and received the blessing from her Father. Everything went well. So far, so good. Now all that was left was the proposal.
June 10th, 2018. There were some complications that day, but everything went smoothly. I had this idea to turn our engagement into a music video, haha. I thought that would distract you and fool you into thinking that it was something other than a proposal. I'm almost positive that you knew exactly what was going on from the moment I picked you up. You were dressed like you were about to be proposed to. You looked absolutely phenomenal. Secondly, Kelechi flew in from out of town. Why else would Kelechi come to Houston? Nevertheless, you played along. We got to the venue, walked into the room and you saw everyone. That look on your face was priceless. I thought you were going to cry on the spot but you held on. The band was playing in the background and our family was around us. Your friends helped with the decorations and really did an amazing job. The ambience was perfect. My boys flew in for the moment. Now, all that was left was for me to propose. I gave my best attempt at a speech, and tried to get through a song without breaking into tears but I was overcome with emotions. Everything about this moment felt surreal. Honestly, everyday with you is surreal. I honestly couldn't believe that we were going to do life together. We've been doing life together. But now, as Husband and Wife. And so, I got on one knee, and asked you to be my wife. And with tears in both of our eyes, you said yes. Amaka'm, loving you is the greatest lesson God has given me. Learning everyday how to be a good man by you and understanding the depth of love is priceless. There so much more to this story. Maybe I can disclose the rest at the wedding reception. For now, I love you and thank you all for reading.