Our paths first crossed in Columbus, Ohio, in 1990. We were both interns with INROADS. We noticed each other, but that was it. SpelHouse sparked our friendship and later our love.

Colin studied at Morehouse and I was a student at Spelman. As a first-year, I joined the caravan of students who traveled to and from Ohio during each break. Ironically, I always rode with Colin while Maisha and Shawna rode with Teddy. Maisha, Shawna, Teddy and I attended the same high school. While riding with Colin between 1992 and 1996, our friendship grew during those long road trips back and forth from the Atlanta University Center (AUC) to Columbus. Ironically, my mother would always say, "I like that young man" after I arrived safely at home.

As soon as we arrived, we had plans. He was going to get a fresh fade and eat pizza from Donatos. Similarly, I was going straight to Elaine, my hair stylist, and then head to Donatos. We later discovered that my hairstylist, Elaine, was his mother's friend. Fast forward to senior year; I had my first car, and Colin started riding home with me. After graduation, we did not see each other again until 2016. On October 29, 2016, we reconnected briefly at Homecoming (HOCO). It was the first time we'd seen each other, or even spoken, since 1997.

In 2018, Colin reached out to me via LinkedIn. He was living in Fort Myers, Florida, and I was living in the A. He came to Atlanta to celebrate his homie Earl's birthday in February. That weekend, I hung out with Colin, Earl, BJ, Marshaun, and others. Our friendship picked up where we left off in 1997. We had a great weekend! It was kismet!

Colin returned to Fort Myers, and we talked nearly everyday. He came back to Atlanta in April. During that visit, we had lunch at the Daiquiri Factory on West Peachtree with a small group of my friends (Chris, Dana, Erica, Naima, Rachelle, Tomeka, and Shermela). I was elated to learn that all of my friends liked him. At the end of his visit, I mentioned that I was traveling to Europe for my birthday that fall.

Since traveling was the conduit that connected us, it was only natural for us to see and explore the world together. We took our first trip abroad in 2018. We crossed the pond to celebrate my 45th birthday. On the first leg of our trip, we stayed in Westminster directly across from Big Ben. Although it was rainy and grey outside, the rain did not stop us from getting on a double decker bus, walking the city, and enjoying each other's company. After this two-day pit stop, we took the Euro Train to Amsterdam for the final leg and main attraction of our trip.

Upon arrival to Sir Albert Amsterdam, we were greeted by our host who happened to be from Stone Mountain, Georgia. Let's just say he hooked us up! The hotel, located in the De Pijp district, was in walking distance of Museum Square and other great attractions. The hotel was swanky (would definitely stay there again); the food was amazing; and the music was dope! While visiting the city, we rode bikes, took boat rides, and hopped on public transportation to visit a castle. We spent extra time exploring the nearby neighborhood, walking into shops and taking in the scenery. Unfortunately, we missed one of the earlier buses back into the city.

Luckily, we caught the last bus into the city to the light rail stop. Tired but still excited, we hopped on the light rail back to Sir Albert but missed our stop. Forced to get off at the last stop, we ended up wandering the city for two hours at 2am. However, we were safe and worked together to figure out our way back to Sir Albert. I'll be honest, that was not the last time that we were a bit turned around in another country.

Last year, we had trouble navigating back to our Riad in Morocco but we figured it out! London and Amsterdam marked the beginning of our travels. Since then, we've visited eight countries and traveled to nine states. We've traveled alone as well as with family and friends, both domestically and abroad. Our travels have brought us closer together. We've survived various situations such as being lost, navigating a canceled flight out of Puerto Plata, and managing testy gate agents. The most challenging, however, was conquering a grueling trail in Hawaii.

While vacationing in Hawaii, my dear brother Cinque encouraged us to walk the Captain Cook trail at Ka'awaloa. We descended down the two-mile trail with ease, talking and laughing. Once we reached sea level, we hung out a bit before hiking up the rough terrain. While the descent was easy, hiking back was a bit challenging. After stopping one million times (ohkae, I had to stop one million times), we made it back to the top. The adventure did not end there. We drove to the Kilauea volcano, which had erupted a week before our arrival. Colin, Hunter and I toured Honalo by ATV, played drums, and busted open coconuts and pineapples. The three of us traveled to Honolulu on Father's Day. The trip had been amazing, and I did not think that it could get better.

On Monday, June 19, 2023, Colin and Hunter left the house early to go horseback riding while Mell, Cinque and I hung out at the house. Colin and Hunter plotted an outing on their way back from the horse ranch. Since we'd taken walks nearly every day, they found a new walking trail for us to explore.

That evening, Cinque, Mell, Hunter, Colin and I left the house for another adventure. At sunset, Colin and I strolled ahead of the group. We stood at the End of the World on a rocky lava plain near Kona on the Big Island. Actually, he was kneeling and I was directing our sunset photo shoot. When I turned around, I saw him kneeling and wondered, "Why is he on his knees?" After all, we were on a jagged cliff, which had to hurt his knees. When I paused to let my brain catch up with my eyes and ears, he asked, "Will you marry me?" I said, YES!!!

Imagine the most beautiful and dramatic coastline in Hawaii. Now, consider the significance of the date, June 19th, arguably the Blackest holiday, and there we were, honoring Black Love. We were engaged, just like that. On July 7, 2025, we will celebrate being together for seven years by officially saying, "I do and We do" for ever, ever. And guess what? Our actual anniversary is July 7th. Yes, it will be the year of completion.

Given our love of each other, family, friends, and travel, it is only fitting that we celebrate this momentous occasion abroad with those we love. Because of your wisdom, love and prayers, we find ourselves inseparable. We will be honored for you to raise a glass and break bread with The Hutchings!

#Hutchings4Life, #PartyofHutchings, #4EverEver