For Tshegofatso Latagkomo

I know this
one question has been asked already
but let me ask properly.

This is a question, and an album, and soon a lot more. I hope you like it.

I Fell In Love

Tshego,

If anyone ever asked me what I love about you, I could start with the easy words: kind, loving, smart, beautiful, spiritual, funny, empathetic. But none of them really capture it. So let me try to say it properly.

I love the little things most people would never notice. The way you bite your lip when you’re concentrating. The way you say “don’t bore me” makes me want to say stupid things all the time. The sound of your giggle when you get excited about something. I could listen to you talk for hours, your voice, your stories, the way you tell them.

I love how funny you are, and how much you make me laugh without even trying. I love how thoughtful you are, how you take care of everyone around you without being asked. I love your cooking, and I love how you always want a kiss or a hug like you need it as much as you need air.

I love how much you love Jehovah, and how you always put him first. It says everything about who you are. I love that around you, I never have to be anything other than myself and you don’t make me feel like less of a man when I do.

I love your smile, especially when I’m the reason you’re smiling. I love that an ordinary day with you never feels ordinary. You walk into a room and somehow make it lighter, warmer, easier to be in. I love how you drag me all over JHB showing me your favorite food spots and meeting all your friends, truly integrating me into the most important parts of your life.

And I love how appreciative you are. How you make me feel wanted, every single time.

Tshego, I love you. Not for one reason, but for all of them, all at once, every day, now and forever.

The two of us in the garden, my face against your shoulder

Now for the BIG question

Tshego, will you be my girlfriend?

The two of us cheek to cheek in the last of the sunlight

SO FAR

Pictures we've taken so far

These are some of my favorite photos of us. I still remember the moment we took them and how I felt in that moment.

Tshego laughing behind a shelf of white ceramic pots — Us picking up a plant for your mom while you laugh at how excited I get when I see bonsai. My Treat

The two of us upside down against a bright blue sky, both laughing — After some amazing nachos and chai. Look Up

Tshego wrapped in a bright checked blanket on a hillside at dusk, moon overhead — A great view of the sunset and a great view of you. Also a crazy lady... Piggy in a blanket

Your head resting on my shoulder under a tree, blue sky behind us — It felt so natural to have your head on my shoulder. I could have stayed like that forever. Your Spot

You kissing my cheek beside a garden wall while I fail to keep a straight face — Just two very nervous and shy people trying to take their first photo together. First Test

The album

The part is a work in progress. The idea is to post all our photos here, so we can look back on them later.