Yes
I'd like to share something incredible that happened this weekend. I catch myself doodling when I am stressed. My subconscious finds serenity in drawing an island with palm trees, with a sun that needed more than a corner. I find refuge in the idea of warm sand, ocean sounds and blue horizons. In college, I met this boy who I knew would do anything for me. Any time with Tariq feels like being on this made up island. He kept me sane through tough days in college; brought me snacks, made me laugh. He told me I could write. He is the reason I started this blog. Back then, I never understood how rare that was in a friend. Now we’re both mostly adults, finding it hard to fathom we met freshman year in Astronomy class.
Throughout the years, I noticed that my best ideas came from conversations with him. I was the best me when he was around. This person believes in my ideas, my life. He nurtured my creative spirit. When I finally realized all this about myself and him, I was grateful I wasn’t too late. I guess once you know, you do anything to make it happen. There isn’t a right time, only a right person. Time had a way of shaping us both together and separately. I am lucky to have him, I know that.
Together we will soon start the longest hang out of our lives. There will be tears and laughs on this island but above all, I am ready to CONQUER LIFE TOGETHER.
Of course, I will marry you.
- March 13, 2015 -
On Friday night, Tariq and I were walking through Deep Ellum. He knows how much I love music, especially live music. He knows I attempt to paint but mostly enjoy the idea of others' passions. He gets me, he always has. So we walked into Kettle Art gallery.
He was poised most of the day beforehand. We were in a little bit of a rush, our dinner reservations were in 15 minutes across the street. I normally do a slow graze when looking at pieces but Tariq pushed me to the back where they were playing music. We stood in in a corner. But then he asked me to turn my attention behind.
It was a painting of an island, a near replica of my doodles but much, much better. A board stuck in the sand had "Marry Me?" scribbled and when I turned to face him, he was on his knees.
I couldnt hear anything, I didn't question the flashing camera lights, and I can't even remember if I said "yes". This was the start of a fast and surprised-filled blur.
See, I do feels things. I have tear ducts.
"Can I keep it?"
"Yes, you can keep it"
Shout out from the Kettle squad.
We could have been there for two minutes or thirty. I have no idea. But when we went to dinner, my best friends - who all equally helped Tariq make this happen - were there to cheer. Sara helped with the idea of an art gallery and canvas. Laura stayed up and worked on it with him. Bijal flew in for a night. Sahar brought the most beautiful, delicious cake. It's overwhelming to know you are friends with some of the greatest humans alive.
And then my family came, late as usual - wouldn't have it any other way.
For anyone who doesn't know, most of these people are my sisters.
The surprises, the friends, and the excitement still hasn't stopped.