Hallmark x ESPN Fifty/50: A Love Story

I haven't known Taylor for that long, and when we first were introduced it wasn't quite the Hallmark-worthy moment. We were both cheerleaders at the University of Michigan. She cheered the entirety of college, and me for one during the final year of my Master’s program. I’d tried out the year she was graduating and because COVID-19 was in full swing, the interview portion of the process was online. She was one of the current teammates “scrutinizing” me to assess if I was worthy to dawn the maize and blue. On that mid-April afternoon, she stood out because of her particularly melanated skin compared to the other interviewees, as well as her delicate beauty. Alas, I could not dwell on the pleasantness of her smile for too long because I, being the faithful man that I am, had a girlfriend.

It wasn't until August of that year that we really cultivated a friendship. Taylor considered the fifth year of college to pursue an independent research project and was still set to cheer that year. She ultimately decided against the extra year, but still participated in summer training camp for about a week. On the very first day of camp, she asked to get lunch with me and my roommate… the other sufficiently melinanted individuals in comparison to the rest of the team. From there, our faint familiarity and hued solidarity blossomed into a friendship.

Our faith, specifically being followers of Jesus of Nazareth are central to who we are and the foundation of our relationship. Once I found out she was a fellow believer who valued the authority of scripture and the local church my affinity towards her became sizable and she would often be a friend to whom I could relate in a spiritually dead place like the University of Michigan. I asked her for a Church recommendation, she gave me a few, I did my rounds and landed at the Church she has attended since being a sophomore in college.

During the rest of the summer and fall, our friendship grew stronger. She would come over to have dinner with my roommate and me as well as still attend a practice here and there; stunting as an alumnus when she was in town. After church, we would often get lunch, reflect on the message, and get to know each other. This rhythm continued until December when our pastor asked me why she and I were not dating. This was an important moment because I allowed myself to dwell longer on her gentle beauty; the glint of black in her eyes, the roundness of her face that lent itself to an inviting demeanor. I noticed not only the physical but her maturity, both emotional and spiritual steadfastness, as well as her ability to think critically and her capacity to offer grace.

On December 15th, 2021. I cooked her dinner– salmon and Brussell sprouts–asking if she would like to pursue something more than friendship. There was some miscommunication and I thought she said no. So it wasn't until December 18, 2021, that we were officially an item. Fast forward eight months later and I proposed to her. People ask how did I know so fast. My reply: it takes between two weeks and four months to love someone, the difficult part is deciding if you want to put in the work to maintain a healthy relationship. I think the Lord orchestrated this union and while we are going through growing pains now that I’m gone, my mind has not changed. Before God, my family, and my friends, I want to publicly make a commitment to her that I will never with!