March 22nd 2013 me and a close friend drove from St. Louis, MO to Atlanta, GA.

The trip was planned about a month ahead of time with no one knowing about it except for my mother, brother and close friends. It was originally to get away. Then, at the last minute I was asked to interview a couple people while away,such as comedian Special K of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show. So then I decided that we’d work hard and play harder. We then made our itinerary to get my interviews done, try great southern food and party.

Randomly, 5am Friday morning, driving from St. Louis, a scene from T. D. Jakes “Jumping The Broom” randomly popped in my head. In the romantic comedy, Paula Patton is a single woman fed up with losers. The movie opens with her getting disappointed of dealing with a jerk so she then prays to be released from the bad situation she’s in and she states that she will be obedient so that way she can meet her husband. After thinking of this scene, I then decided to pray. I was over the single life. I didn’t want to rush into anything false but I was eager to meet someone of my full liking, someone who’d treat me as I deserve plus more. I simply asked God, without the intention of immediate response, if there was a man on my way into ATL that was meant for me, to please reveal him. I will admit, I met a couple of guys. But One was different.

Me and my girl were partying at Aurum night club,

and this guy walks up, asks for my number, very mannerable so I gave it. We didn’t even dance together, haha. That Sunday we were leaving and I received a text, “Hey this is Donovan from Aurum. Is this Winnie?”

Instantly we clicked. We spoke every night before bed and every morning before work with no problem. Topics from beliefs, morals, jokes, families, lifestyles, entertainment, goals, aspirations, embarrassments, flaws and mistakes. We talked about it all.

After making such a great connection, we were eager to see one another. With many opportunities in Atlanta for a Communications student like myself, Donovan knew that’s a place I could see myself living. He decided to take the extra mile and surprised me with the offer of a plane ticket to ATL. “Who does that?” That’s what I was thinking. It seemed crazy but I couldn’t help but accept. We had crazy chemistry and I really love Atlanta. Visiting a nice gentleman just put the icing on the cake.

After more prayer and consulting with friends and some family, I didn’t have any bad feeling about visiting Donovan. And once he greeted me at the airport with Yellow tulips, I hadn’t regretted making that trip either.

What really connected to me to Donovan was the fact we are comfortable talking about anything. We finish each others sentences. Plus even though we are miles apart, he’s always one call away. Just like many friends and family he’s been there to support through my recent struggles. I didn’t worry about anything. Anytime he called it would bring a smile. And I believe that because he acknowledges the value that I hold as a young woman. I think we as women tend to forget. And young men aren’t aware or they forget as well.

I remember reading this and I instantly thought of Donovan:

We need to teach our daughters to distinguish between:
A man who flatters her and a man who compliments her;
A man who spends money on her and a man who invests in her;
A man who views her as property and a man who views her property;
A man who lusts after her and a man who loves her;
A man who believes he is a gift to women and a man who believes she is a gift to him;
And, then we need to teach our sons to be that kind of man

-Bishop Dale C. Bronner

Donovan has shown me that he is growin into a great man. When around him I don’t lift a finger. When around him all I do is smile. When around him I am happy and comfortable. If he is or isnt the man meant for me to marry, I can at least say that he’s shown me real men still exist.

Best Moments upon my Arrival in Atlanta:

1. He snuck up on me at the airport with flowers

2. He took me to visit the beautiful shops and boutiques in Atlantic Station.

3.We visited the beautiful Piedmont Park where we had a sentimental moment. I knew there were some things I wanted to share but I waited til I was with him face to face to tell him. It definitely brought us closer, and he expressed how appreciative he is that I am here on earth to bless him with my presence.

4. Experiencing Sundial. An exhilarating 85-second ride in one of our two scenic glass elevators will carry you 723 feet to the observatory View Level atop The Westin Peachtree Plaza, the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere. From this level, take in the breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the magnificent Atlanta skyline and gaze through one of our four complimentary telescopes for a bird’s eye view of the city. The View Level offers Atlanta’s best view of Atlanta and is the perfect place to observe Atlanta’s famed landmarks, stadiums and natural features, including Stone Mountain, CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park.

5. Even though the scenery at Sundial was amazing. Just incredible. There was a moment I will always hold onto. After we left Sundial we visited a nightclub then departed early and decided to enjoy the love in the air and take a nice walk outside. Donovan placed his dinner jacket around my shoulders as we strolled down Peachtree Street, hand in hand. We’d forgotten it was 2am, we’d forgotten people were around. We had moments where we’d just stop on the sidewalk or the middle of the street and just hold one another. It was a great feeling.

So just remember in order to receive the type of person you want in your life, you have to exude that same type of excellence for them to know how to address you. Donovan has been nothing but mannerable, respectful and encouraging. There were moments where he’d worry if I wanted more, but he’s just right. I encourage him along the way just as he encourages me. I definitely love he friendship that we’ve built and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads us. 🙂