Over forty-five years ago, Lonnie witnessed something divine — a radiant, soulful, and gifted spirit who seemed to float across the stage with grace and power. The moment he saw her dance, something stirred deep within him — a connection unlike anything he had ever felt, a feeling that lingered long after the lights dimmed. From that night on, Tshlene was etched in his heart. Fate, in its gentle way, placed them in the same high school, though Lonnie could only admire her from afar. He often told friends and family, “One day, Tshlene is going to be my wife.” He dreamed of them performing together — her dancing, him playing the piano — their talents blending in perfect harmony. Even the sound of their names together, Lonnie & Tshlene, gave him butterflies. But life had other plans, and they never connected back then. Still, her memory never faded. When Facebook arrived in 2004, a simple friend request bridged the gap of time — though no one remembers who sent it first, Lonnie always thanked God that it happened. Then, in 2022, came a divine moment he would never forget. Out of the blue, Tshlene’s sister, Sandy, messaged him and encouraged him to reach out. What she didn’t know was that just two days earlier, he had been thinking of Tshlene again. That was no coincidence — it was destiny. Lonnie made the call. At the time, he lived in Arizona and she in Las Vegas, but that didn’t stop him. In just three months, he put more than 7,000 miles on his F-150, determined to follow his heart. Tshlene teased him for being persistent — and she was right. Lonnie knew deep down that his dream was finally coming true. Now, three years later, after forty-five years of divine timing, they stand together — Lonnie & Tshlene — living proof that what’s meant to be will always find its way. Look at God. And from the bottom of his heart, Lonnie thanks Sandy, the angel who helped love find its way home.
They say time flies — and it truly does — but for Tshlene, time took on a whole new meaning when love finally found her. She never saw it coming, yet it arrived as one of the most beautiful surprises of her life. With deep gratitude and joy, she now stands in this season of fulfillment, discovering the divine beauty of finding her soulmate — the one created just for her. There was a time when Tshlene wasn’t sure marriage was in her future. She often prayed to live past sixty, though she secretly hoped she wouldn’t reach that milestone alone. And yet, here she is — planning her very first, and forever, marriage. A dream she once tucked away in her heart has finally come true. It all began near the end of 2022, with a simple phone call from Mr. Lonnie Irons. The moment she heard his name, a rush of memories from Bellarmine Preparatory High School came flooding back — especially that unforgettable Black History Month show in 1979. She could still see Lonnie there, full of light and positive energy, a spirit that quietly stood out even back then. Though they never truly connected in those school days, Tshlene never forgot his kindness or his presence. Years later, his Facebook posts would still make her smile — little glimpses of joy she never imagined would lead to something so profound. But God had other plans. When Lonnie reappeared in her life, it felt divinely orchestrated. To this day, she wakes up in awe, smiling and blushing like a young girl in love, overwhelmed by the colors and emotions of this unexpected blessing. If there’s one truth Tshlene holds close, it’s this: never give up on your dreams. The words we speak have power, and the faith we hold has purpose. Since her twenties, she had always believed that her husband would come — and that she would recognize him not by sight, but by spirit. On March 24, that prayer will be fulfilled — the day two hearts become one. To God be the glory.
