Yesterday, just after I posted a blog about an incredibly sad moment in my life, I received some absolutely delightful news.

A young lady I have mentored and been friends with for several years now (since she was in high school) has become engaged! Not too long ago, this beautiful young lady (who I most often refer to as Lil Love or ‘daughter’), brought her gentleman down to FL to meet me. We had dinner at a local hotspot, and sat for a couple of hours just chatting. Sometimes, the conversation fell silent … but her young man did not rush us, nor urge us to leave. He sat back, enjoyed the food and the music and the conversation, and just let us have our time together.

I was fairly impressed with him - most guys would be impatient to leave. And if not impatient, at least a little antsy, once the conversation dwindled for the 3rd or 4th time. This gentleman, however, let Lil Love and I decide when we had our fill. Now, I could have kept them there forever, but I knew they had places to go and things to do (in another state nonetheless) … but I cannot help wishing I had found my apartment and moved in sooner, so they could have crashed at my pad instead of staying in a hotel.

So this is a post to celebrate new love, young love, and new beginnings. Lil Love, I hope you and W have a long and fruitful, blessed, happy marriage. May your lives together be filled with love and laughter. I know it will not be easy all the time, but I hope you both remember that eveything worth having takes work.

I love you, sweet gyrl. I have loved watching you grow from a teenager to a young lady, and I have loved being a (small) part of your life. Thank you for including me in the happy news, and for honoring me with your request.

Congratulations on your Engagement,

Lil Love & W!!

xoxxooxxox