Delisa and I were destined to meet and did so in the most unusual way, on a NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) trip to Canada. I say unusual because I was neither a member of NSBE nor an Engineering major. In fact, I was a psychology major with wanderlust tendencies and hence could not reject an all-expenses paid trip to Canada. Delisa and I were seated next to each other on that serendipitous plane ride to Toronto and became fast friends. I went on to call her Somoye for the next year because I subconsciously could not accept that a Nigerian girl could have an easy first name. Throughout the following years of BBQs at Rice, Belvedere nights and laughter (lots of laughter), I noticed the effect that Delisa’s presence had on people. Delisa has the ability to make you feel like her best friend within seconds of meeting her, to the extent that any friend I introduced to her would request that I invite Delisa to our next outing. One thing I’ve always loved and admired about Delisa is her dedication to the people in her life – she probably has more godchildren and has been a bridesmaid more than anyone I know. I’ve always thought this quality about her would make her the biggest catch and I have been a first-hand witness to all of the men that have tried and failed to capture Delisa’s heart in Houston, all of the USA and abroad. So Francis is truly the luckiest man on earth. I have such fond memories of the beginning of their romance. Francis was tasked with mentoring Delisa on a professional level, but when he saw what God created in Delisa, he surely recognized that it was good! And so he offered to accompany Delisa on that faithful trip to Austin and then started making his presence known at outings, making himself available to escort her on trips, vacations and weddings. I remember when the three of us – Delisa, Ashley and I – were taking a morning nap on my twin bed in Cambridge, MA following my 25th birthday celebration and we inquired about her feelings towards Francis. Her answer at that very moment made me know that he was the one. It’s been an absolute privilege and pleasure witnessing them transition from Delisa, Francis to Delisa and Francis. I’ve always believed that the best marriages are those between friends. A couple must first LIKE before LOVE, so that their LIKE will sustain them when the world and circumstances wages a war on their LOVE. I see the friendship between Delisa and Francis – they have traveled the world together and made memories that will last them a lifetime. My prayer for them is that they always put each other first, continue to nurture their friendship and explore the beauty of God’s earth with each other till death do them part.