Day 31 of 31.

Mark and I were introduced to one another my Junior year in college by a mutual friend Olamide. She insisted that Mark and I had to meet. Our initial meeting was meh (unexceptional). 😂

2 years later I walk into the law school and there he stands! I remember him instantly. He sticks out his hand to introduce himself as Mark Dupree a 2nd year law student and Student Body representative, who is here to help. I shake his hand, & with a smile say, “A pleasure, I’m Shanelle Gunn- I remember you.”

He quickly pivots and names the conference we initially met at, “Yes! The BigXII on Black Student Government Conference.” (I found out later this was the default place he named when he had no idea where he met the person 😂)

I can identify the moment I felt like…he may be the one. I decided my first year and first semester of law school I was going to run for a student body representative position. I was nervous- but put my hat in the ring. I told another older student, who was the student body President at the time, what I had done and immediately he told me all the reasons I had just made a mistake. He said no one knew me, I should have started out smaller, and I should have waited.

Honestly, I felt a bit discouraged- like oh crap, am I about to embarrass myself? I really don’t know the lay of the land yet- maybe I moved too quickly?

I ran into Mark and began talking about my previous conversation with the student body President. Mark began talking, “what? He’s wrong. You got this, and you’ll be amazing.” He then began explaining the process.

The matter of fact & nonchalant belief in me made my heart flutter.

I won, and he did too ( he was also running for the same position, there were 3 open spots). Our student body meetings began shortly thereafter, and we would sit and talk for hours after the meetings.

It’s been 17 years since we started dating and 15 years since we said “I do.” He is one of my best and most favorite decisions.

I find joy in supporting him, loving him, and honoring him. He has never stopped supporting my spontaneous ideas and pursuits. I’m so thankful for the life we have built and are building together.

I want to show him more love, more joy, and more peace. I hope you are praying the same for the one God connected you with- in Jesus name, Amen.

#Lovetheoneyouarewith

#Buildwiththeoneyouarewith

#Supporttheoneyouarewith

#Prayfortheoneyouarewith

#PrayerStillWorks