Guess What?

I got engaged. Happy happy, joy joy for me!
Unfortunately, those are the best words I can give right now because it’s kinda difficult to put the magnitude of such a thing into words. Just know that there is no phrase harder to get out than “will you marry me?” Not just because of the awkwardness caused from being on one knee–a position few are ever on, unless you sing in a minstrel show–but because there’s absolutely no way you can say that and sound as cool and loving as you would prefer. You want to be able to say that with every bit of bass you have, and every bit of reassured confidence in the deepest recesses of your being. You wish you could channel those love songs you grew up with, the ones that used to sound good but only recently began to make perfect sense, for they no longer sound like idealistic hyperbole but, instead, like your own life.
But when the words come from your mouth, they sound as though you’ve gone back to a pre-pubescent time.
You fully take in the fact that someone is willing to put up with you and every flaw, fault and wart you’ve got from here until the end. You realize that you’re someone you think is absolutely magnificent to reciprocate that sentiment, to say she finds herself just as fortunate to have you as you know you are to have you. You’re asking for the ultimate reassurance, which flies in the face of the confidence you’re attempting to summon. You’re totally letting your guard down in the name of being happier than you’ve ever been, even though you’re already as happy as you imagined possible. With all that in the air, I’m surprised my voice didn’t crack.
But she said yes. Actually, she said “of course.” The smile on her face was priceless, something I’ll remember and hold on to for a long time.
That memory will come in extra handy when I’ve managed to do something to irk her (like about a half hour ago). It’s got a long-lasting “everything’s gonna be straight” effect. At least for a good while.
Thanks to Viva, AD and Williethepimp for their assistance on that. Couldn’t have gone any better had I scripted it. Or, should I say, had I scripted it any more than I did. I don’t think I’ve ever been more anal-retentive about every detail of a plan being on point than I was that day. I’m one of those selective perfectionists. If something isn’t too crucial, it can go how it goes. If it’s big to me, it’s gotta go exactly how I want it to. And this did.
And anyone that knows her and sees the effect she has on me would tell you, I’m winning. Actually shed a few putting that into words.
Yes, I’m way too happy. I originally intended for this to just be one paragraph, and a short one at that. Wanted to discuss something I saw at the Maze/Mint Condition concert we went to last night, but that’s for another post.
Back in a few.
(Oh, a totally random coincidence–only I would, without planning, propose on Prince’s birthday.)

38 Comments

  • Posted June 9, 2007 2:02 pm 0Likes
    by Peyton

    Congrats Bo! Hope you both grow up old and happily with each other.

  • Posted June 9, 2007 3:00 pm 0Likes
    by ladyb

    congratulations!!! 😀

  • Posted June 9, 2007 3:36 pm 0Likes
    by gary/ebog

    Whoa! Congrats and best wishes! 🙂

  • Posted June 9, 2007 4:07 pm 0Likes
    by Ashley

    OK, I know I’m supposed to say “Congratulations” like most people do and will, but being a semi-divorced woman, now I no longer say that. Not out of bitterness but because I have found a “new way” if you will, of looking at the engagement of a man and a woman, and feel there are more important words to be uttered and here they are. Bo, I do wish you ALL the happiness in your venture to become the half of a whole and I TRULY wish you all the faith, love, strength & luck that it takes to make that whole withstand ALL of the trials and tribulations that this world & this life throw at it. Going in to my marriage at the age of 23 I did not realize that the “whole” I speak of would CONTINUOSLY have to be fought for, in EVERY capacity be it emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I suppose that MY “whole” was not the one the Lord intended me to be apart of for the rest of my life but now that I know what it takes, I will be ready when that “whole” is presented to me again………I do TRULY hope that YOUR whole is FOREVER, and just by the way you speak of her, it sounds as if you couldn’t be more sure!!……God Bless you BOTH!!
    -Ashley

  • Posted June 9, 2007 4:53 pm 0Likes
    by Chrichelle

    Congratulations!! I wish you both years of happiness. Score one for black love…

  • Posted June 9, 2007 4:57 pm 0Likes
    by Krista

    Well alllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!!!! I called this a long time ago, hey? Congratulations Bomani! I am happy for you guys! –K

  • Posted June 9, 2007 9:02 pm 0Likes
    by Valencia

    I got engaged. Happy happy, joy joy for me!
    Unfortunately, those are the best words I can give right now because it’s kinda difficult to put the magnitude of such a thing into words.

    I think you said it quite well in the following words. Sooo happy for you, dude. Congrats and all the best!

  • Posted June 10, 2007 1:22 am 0Likes
    by Alove

    Oh my goodness, I’m so happy for YOU BOTH! Congratulations, love, and best wishes! Yeah, I cried a bit reading that; I could feel your excitement and I know you will have a wonderful life together. Very proud of you, man.

  • Posted June 10, 2007 3:14 am 0Likes
    by Hashim

    Best thing I ever read here. I guess love does that to a writer.
    Congrats and daps, man!

  • Posted June 10, 2007 6:08 am 0Likes
    by tayari

    CONGRATUALTIONS!

  • Posted June 10, 2007 8:11 am 0Likes
    by strong

    Bo’ :
    Man I’m so happy for you. It’s amazing how technology such as blogging has allowed myself and others to glimpse from the periphery into this wonderful life you’re creating for yourself. I had a feeling months ago by the way you talked about your ‘girlfriend’ (at the time) that she must be an awesome woman and possibly even “The One”.
    Congratulations to you both.
    peace and love always,
    strong
    your cyber brother

  • Posted June 10, 2007 10:35 am 0Likes
    by Skelow73

    Congratulations!

  • Posted June 10, 2007 3:41 pm 0Likes
    by ETS

    Congrats man. That revelation you mentioned – about finding someone willing to put up with you, only gets more mind blowing as the days pass – and I’ve only been married 8 months!

  • Posted June 10, 2007 4:15 pm 0Likes
    by JAZ

    Interesting comments Ashley. My pastor doesn’t say “congratulations” either as going into marriage is not something that all people should be congratulated on. Regardless, I wish you the best Bo!

  • Posted June 10, 2007 9:30 pm 0Likes
    by Williethepimp

    Congrats Bo! Never felt better about giving a friend a ride ever.

  • Posted June 10, 2007 10:12 pm 0Likes
    by LM

    Marriage proposal AND a Maze/Mint Condition concert? That is good planning. Congratulations, and best for your future together.

  • Posted June 11, 2007 8:43 am 0Likes
    by Stephanie E.

    I don’t know you, but I know you, and must say that I’m incredibly happy for you. As was mentioned in one of the other comments, there was a way that you wrote about your relationship from the beginning that just had an aura of special-ness about it. Your words here are extraordinarily moving, and hopeful, and I sincerely wish you both nothing but the best.

  • Posted June 11, 2007 9:31 am 0Likes
    by James Edward Dillard

    congratulations bo!

  • Posted June 11, 2007 11:48 am 0Likes
    by Kirk

    I’ll give you $1,000 if the song for the first dance involves the words “Ricky” and “Pretty”.

  • Posted June 11, 2007 12:30 pm 0Likes
    by Tiffany

    I can’t wait! (Let me know when to get my dress offa layaway.)

  • Posted June 11, 2007 12:47 pm 0Likes
    by Marisa-Andrea

    Congrats! 🙂 I wanted to ask you how it went but I decided to wait patiently for a post. You did not disappoint 🙂
    I’m so happy for you 🙂 All the best.

  • Posted June 11, 2007 1:12 pm 0Likes
    by Alma F. Washington

    Congratulations. I’ve been waiting for this.

  • Posted June 11, 2007 1:35 pm 0Likes
    by Natalie

    Awesome news. Congratulations.

  • Posted June 11, 2007 1:59 pm 0Likes
    by FredBatiste, A Weapon of Mass Destruction

    I kinda feel like ol’ boy at (insert Corleone wedding here) ..
    may your first child…be a masculine child..
    Okay Baba!! I’m of the Godfather references.
    Seriously dude, like I told you the other day and will continue to tell you…I am VERY, VERY happy for you and the soon-to-be Mrs. Jones. I hope that y’alls union is a loving, fruitful one that stands the test of time.
    Now…Pass the Courvoisier!!!! and Kirk….if the first song involves anything with “Pretty” or “Ricky” …I can imagine the scene of Bo throwing a bottle of champagne at the DJ like Nolan Ryan dropped dem bees on Robin Ventura.

  • Posted June 11, 2007 2:19 pm 0Likes
    by Star

    A million Congratuations!!!! I am so very happy for you. She must really be a great woman. I am sure she will bless you life just as much as you will hers.
    You are one of the 5 Greatest Guys I have known. I wish you a lifetime of happiness and joy!
    Love Ya! God Bless

  • Posted June 11, 2007 8:55 pm 0Likes
    by Brew City Drew

    Damn…sorry to hear about the tragedy. Best wishes in your time of need.
    (s)

  • Posted June 11, 2007 8:56 pm 0Likes
    by Brew City Drew

    We’ll see if you actually do check out LoV with that last comment.
    Yes, this is a test. It’s always a test.

  • Posted June 11, 2007 6:31 pm 0Likes
    by Biggamej

    Congrats and Good Luck!

  • Posted June 11, 2007 6:33 pm 0Likes
    by Left Coast Vic

    Bo,
    Congratulations bwoy!!! In the midst of all my current terribleness (bar study) this is the kind of stuff that keeps me going. I love seeing the homies getting their grown man on.
    Think of the mathematical impossiblity of finding “the one.” You two are very blessed to have found one another.
    Cheers!

  • Posted June 11, 2007 10:06 pm 0Likes
    by Rex

    Bo… I’ve hung on for 15 years with the same lady without falling into the trap, you lasted, how long, a couple of years? (shaking head at Bo)
    Nah, seriously though, congrats to both of you!

  • Posted June 12, 2007 9:43 am 0Likes
    by EnlightenedOne

    Congrats Bo! You have now joined Tarvis in the males I know from CAU who got married!

  • Posted June 12, 2007 1:59 pm 0Likes
    by dameSTAtus

    Congrats Brother Bomani.
    Add your pseudo-morehouse brother to the above 2-man list started by “EnlightenedOne”.
    For real, Congrats. It’s going to free you up to move more effortlessly into the new and exciting realms of your life.
    I’m happy for you.

  • Posted June 12, 2007 2:12 pm 0Likes
    by dameSTAtus

    ok, just read all the comments.. People really like you and your fancy fur coat huh? Go figure. Next thing ya know, I’ll look up, and your pieces will be amongst the “top sent” over at espn… Yeah, that’ll be the day…
    Anyway,
    How do you 2 know eachother? College? B/C my wife is a CAU grad, and I get giddy sometime thinking of all the reverse and forward shared-history I have to look forward to. Translation: We knew eachother through so many of our Stages in life (from a freshman dorm mixer onward) and we have so many AUC friends in common, that sometimes it feels like it just has to work.
    The baby is due in July, so we’re going to hold off on the homecomings this october, but you ‘best believe we are going to be out there together in 08, just to give satisfaction to all whole “damn, when y’all gon’ go ‘head and get murried?!” crowd. Smell me?

  • Posted June 12, 2007 2:12 pm 0Likes
    by dameSTAtus

    ok, just read all the comments.. People really like you and your fancy fur coat huh? Go figure. Next thing ya know, I’ll look up, and your pieces will be amongst the “top sent” over at espn… Yeah, that’ll be the day…
    Anyway,
    How do you 2 know eachother? College? B/C my wife is a CAU grad, and I get giddy sometime thinking of all the reverse and forward shared-history I have to look forward to. Translation: We knew eachother through so many of our Stages in life (from a freshman dorm mixer onward) and we have so many AUC friends in common, that sometimes it feels like it just has to work.
    The baby is due in July, so we’re going to hold off on the homecomings this october, but you ‘best believe we are going to be out there together in 08, just to give satisfaction to all whole “damn, when y’all gon’ go ‘head and get murried?!” crowd. Smell me?
    (hope I don’t double post, but somewhere, Ralph Wiley is a-Smilin’!!!)

  • Posted June 18, 2007 11:20 am 0Likes
    by smokedog2138

    Been away in Sierra Leone so I am behind on the news. Congratulations. I wish you all the happiness and joy and patience you will need. Now comes wedding planning. I am halfway through the process and thanks to my big ass family and her small ass family I think about eloping everyday and I am sure you will too. Just take it day by day. God Bless you both.

  • Posted June 19, 2007 6:57 pm 0Likes
    by Aquyla

    I’m late, but I’m adding my Congrats!  As I am sure you have heard several times recently – I wish you all the best!

  • Posted July 9, 2007 3:49 pm 0Likes
    by Don Calloway

    Congratulations, man! Your writing describes my experience exactly; I sounded nowhere near as cool as I would have liked to. Nonetheless, Mazeltov, Haver!

  • Posted November 28, 2007 8:00 pm 0Likes
    by Leslie

    YAAAAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!

Leave a comment

The Email
Jones

Mailing List

Become a subscriber of our online community and receive occasional news straight to your inbox! Thanks for your support.