JUN 2020: JACKIE ROBINSON

We still laugh about how we met. While it wouldn't be untraditional today, 19 years ago it was very unique to find someone online....and unintentionally at that. We met on BlackPlanet May 2001. I wasn't even looking for a relationship because I already had one. I would just look and comment on interesting pages, both men and women. Sometimes you chat about common interests. That how we connected.

I was starting grad school summer 2001 and he was already in grad school. But the more we talked, through email at that because texting was not a thing, we found that we had a lot more in common and couldn't wait to read each other's email responses. We finally met in person 2-3 weeks later and we've been two peas in a pod ever since.

Our marriage is built on true friendship. I can honestly say that he's my best friend. And because we didn't get married to have kids or get a big house or any other superficial reason, our friendship has been able to sustain us as we've tackled life's challenges. But thankfully we have way more great times than bad. As we say, we make basic stuff look baller! We can make a trip to Kansas City look as amazing as a trip to the Bahamas because we find genuine joy in each other's company making memories. We just celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary May 30, 2020 and currently reside in Memphis, TN.

The wisdom I'd like to share is to make your marriage your own. I had great examples in my parents and elder family members but I realized early on that I had to also make adjustments based on who WE were and that's ok. Take the positives from the examples around you and make adjustments over time. Neither of you will be the same person you were in year 1, 5, or 10. As you both change and grow, have honest and open discusses so that you both always remain on the same page.

​What I love about the First Wives Club is that it's a group on women with the same goal as me.....to grow and strengthen myself and my relationship. Sometimes your friend group doesn't reflect where you are as a married women. And that's okay but it's great to have a group that can relate to where you are.

---