Phonicas POV: "Thank you, Tom."

Buckle up! So basically, Im typing this story the way I talk. Welcome to my ted talk. Its not the most romantic story but it is our beautiful story; it was MySpace. Back in the olden days of social media, as most of you know, there was a platform ran by a guy named Tom. Well there were other sites too, such as Xanga, Bebo, Piczo, Black Planet, etc. Facebook didn't let anyone who wasn't in college enroll on their site, so this is pre-FB.

Short story long, Marquis and I just so happened to become online friends, and then we eventually met at a cookout hosted by a mutual (that I was attending middle school with at the time.) Instead of hugging this man, I tried to shake his hand. He definitely looked at me with confusion? I was just being polite! Girls rule, boys drool. Ovaries over brovaries. Anyway, we got to know each other and continued to stay in touch throughout college and our adult years. I applied to North Carolina A&T because I wanted to follow this man, I really liked him. But my GPA was terrible, DECLINED! I was heartbroken. Before this, we attempted to have a relationship in high school; however, we did not become high school sweethearts due to me having other plans. We went from talking on the phone and/or Skype video every single day, to falling asleep and waking up to each other on the other side of the screen while he was on campus. But one thing always stayed true throughout all of these years, this guy really loved me. I waited so long to give him a real chance because I appreciate and cared for our friendship wholeheartedly and I couldn't imagine a time where if we were to break up, I might lose him forever. I can honestly say that he has been my very best friend. He knows everything about me, too much actually. There are things he will take to his grave, and I trust that he never breaks our confidence with each other.

Marquis told me over 18 years ago that he would marry me one day, and I obviously wasn't going to believe that as a 14 year old teenage hormonal boy-crazy girl. Because..... sure we will! Little did I know that we would find our way back to each other during Covid (2020), the dreaded Covid, please don't get me started on how insane that year was. But good news! I received a pandemic puppy, who I named Cannoli Alekzander DaQuan Optimus Prime Burt; birth name Pugsly. The best dog ever to exist, no debate, its a fact. I will choose Cannoli every time so don't ask me if I play about my dog. Anyway, Marquis came back into our lives and we love him more than words could ever explain. He the pappy.

We've traveled, we've created, we've collaborated, we've planned our future together, we've dealt with major health battles, we've laughed, we've cried, we've given each other ick, we've had wonderful experiences, we've corrected, we've adjusted, we've learned, we've unlearned, we've tried, we've had each others backs, we've worked at the same job, we've been through so much in our time together, and I cannot say I wouldn't do it all over again. The amount of love this man shows me is one that cannot be replicated. MY MAN, MY MAN, MY MAN! The amount of love I have for this man is unfathomable, it would make you sick, ill, and tired. He really is amazing, and would do anything for anyone. I am the luckiest person in the universe honestly.

Don't think its all rainbows and sunshine, because he most definitely tells it like it is, and its needed sometimes, but he does not judge me from the decisions Ive made and atmosphere I grew up in. We come from two completely different worlds and experiences, and for those that know me, know that that is not an exaggeration. I should write a book about the ridiculous things Ive been through. And I think that is why we balance each other out. Im loud, he's quiet. Im extra, he's simple. I do the absolute most, and he does just enough. Ain't no bare minimum over here though, because let me tell you, Marquis got more ideas than anyone can humanely mentally process. Many of these ideas are incredible, but what do you mean we need 2 grills and a smoker, and a pizza oven? Are we opening a BBQ joint, a cafe? Be forreal, my love. But guess who's getting 2 grills and a smoker, and a pizza oven, us. Ill always support him, no matter the subject, no matter the timing, no matter the severity.

This man is kind, smart, loving, and perfect; he was made just for me. What a gentleman! Teaching someone how to treat you is not easy, but he took heed. A partner that listens and changes according to your needs is something I pray for everyone who seeks love in this lifetime. Marquis is my life, and I really could not imagine a life without him. I would do anything for this man. Listen to Snooze by SZA. For legal reasons, Im joking and would not kill for him, but we all know whats up. Were getting married! He was right. We've known each other since we were teenagers, and its all because of Tom from MySpace. Thank you, Tom. But most of all, thank you, Marquis. Thanks for coming to my ted talk, I cant wait to be Mrs. Massenburg.

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Marquis' POV:

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In the early days of the internet, it truly was the wild wild west. We had chat rooms, Bebo, AOL Instant Messenger, and the original king of social media, MySpace. The truth of who messaged who first may be lost forever, but somehow we become connected. We quickly became online friends and started messaging almost every day. Now this was well before the days of Nev traveling the world with his handy cam exposing “Catfish”. But I can’t lie, I was slightly suspicious. Where did this random beautiful girl come from? Who sent you?! Then came the day when she suggested we video chat for the first time. When the call finally connected I was in awe. It was really her!

From that point forward we were hooked. Daily messages turned into hour long video calls which turned into falling asleep while on a call and just waking up and picking up where we left off. I’ll never forget the first time we met in person. We both attended a mutual friends party. Out the corner of my eye I catch a familiar face walking in. We see each other and both smile with excitement. I walked over to officially meet this person who I’ve been talking to for what seems like forever online. Only to be met with a simple handshake. Wow, I thought we were better than that! I should’ve known then that this was just the beginning of me having to work to decipher just what she is actually thinking.

That was just the first step in our journey. Years of learning and growing together. Going from strangers, friends, best friends, and now husband and wife. There are so many key memories throughout the years. The several, often impromptu, road trips we would take. Some just her and I while others with all her friends. Friends who quickly accepted me and had my back. Friends who are all probably thinking to themselves “ABOUT TIME!” Those rides to DC, Charlottesville, or even the Williamsburg Outlets. We would just talk and the time would just fly by. We are constantly creating memories. Looking back on them now brings me nothing but joy.

Although we have known each other for over 20 years at this point. It wasn’t just a straight through fairytale. Times where we both got caught up in our own lives and communication would fade. But one thing that made me know we were meant to be is that no matter how long we may have lost touch, we would always find our way back to each other. Whether it was one of us finally breaking the silence and reaching out or us randomly becoming coworkers and us literally working on the same floor. Then there are moments where we were apart but not by choice. One of the hardest parts about being away from home for college was being away from her. That moment we sat on Skype as you opened your letter from NC A&T truly crushed us. I sometimes wonder how different our lives may have been had we shared our college years together. However, no matter how big the what if, I wouldn't change a thing. Every step in our journey has led us here. And here is exactly where I want to be. We found our way back to each other at just the right time. Just as we’ve always done.

She has always been my constant. No matter what vision I had for my future, she was always a part of it in some way. I love this woman with everything in me. There is nothing I wouldn’t do. Even if it's just a late night run to the store for gummy bears. This woman has truly saved my life. She literally helped me to breathe. (By making me do a sleep study and get a CPAP.) Even as we have moved into this next phase of our lives with living together, her touch truly has made this house a home. Having this touch on my life has been nothing short of amazing. I hope to give her the world or at least every piece of it I can gather up. I can’t wait to see what our forever looks like. If it's anything like the last 20 years have been, then I am truly the luckiest man alive. Looking at that woman and calling her Mrs. Massenburg for the first time will be a moment in time I cherish forever.