When we returned to Chicago after NIU, life picked up the pace. I found out I was pregnant in our apartment on Ashland, and we decided to get married at city hall on January 5, 2011. Though we were legally husband and wife, we felt that we still needed that ceremony and celebration to make it complete. So, we promised each other that we will have our wedding once things slow down. Things didn’t slow down!

(D: Not one bit!)

Our daughter, Gabby, was born in July of 2011, and so our journey as parents began. In between sleepless nights, diaper blowouts, and tummy time, we traversed complex career paths. Through it all, we continued to make it a priority to love each other. We discovered the absolutely necessary role that communication, patience, and understanding play in a relationship as deep as ours.

(D: Okay stop, I’m crying, lol.)

In 2016, amidst some family tragedies, our son, DJ, brought new light into our lives. Our family became complete, and our love for each other continued to grow and grow. We cried together, struggled together, laughed together, and pretty much grew together.

(D: I’d like to take this moment to publicly thank Marlene for being the gift from God that she is. I lost my grandmother, who was everything to me, and my father, who was my guiding principle, in a 4-month period. I was laid off at that same time. And, I had my son on the way. Marlene fully absorbed it all alongside me, and helped me rebuild every single block of my person. This woman has seen me at my very worst, and at my best 💪🏽. Amen, Amen, Amen. And, Hallelujah.)

On April 21st, 2024, after twenty years of being in love, we are finally giving ourselves that celebration of unity that we have been waiting for. Demetrius and I are renewing our vows and solidifying our undying love and dedication to one another. We are beyond honored to share this day with the people we love who have helped build us into who we are today.

(D: We really cannot do this without all of you by our side... Thank you, everyone, so much.

Hey Mook, let’s get it! 😎)

#ForeverFreeman2024

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