My favorite part. I love sharing our story. Our story where it all began. The moment God planned for two people to meet. He organized and perfectly placed Mason Hope at the Plano SpringCreek QT gas station on May 22nd, 2022. Yes, a gas station, but wait, it gets better. Mason was in a Salvation Army box truck with a group of men who were in a 12-passenger van heading back tom Tulsa, OK from a spiritual retreat. They had stopped for restroom breaks and snacks. He stood with a friend whilst waiting for everyone to commence back together to take off on the road again. Where was I? I was with my best friend, Bre, who was driving, and shared that we needed to stop to get gas because she was below E. The first gas station we pull into happens to be the Plano Sprig Creek QT. We immediately get to the first pump that is open and it just so happens its facing this group of men. Bre and I both exit out of her car, and make the transaction to pump gas. We stare off in the distance and notice two men (Mason & Quad) Quad yells over “How are you ladies doing?” to which we reply, “Good and you?” He then yells back “We are doing better now ;)” It was a short exchange and Mason spoke no words, but my eyes were glued to him. Observing everything in that moment, from his khaki pants, to his navy Oakley shirt and shoes and ball cap he was wearing. By this time the pump had clicked. The gas was done, and it was time for us to go. Mason had gotten back in the box truck passenger seat. However, there was something tugging on my heart. Time in that moment stopped. The world froze and God spoke. “Don’t let him leave without getting his attention.” and without further ado, the courage kept growing inside me until all of a sudden….
“Hey! I just wanna let you know, you’re fine as F****”
Have you heard that video voiceover that’s like “Yup, that’s me” That’s what it feels like replaying in my head when I said that. (insert laughing face) Now God didn’t tell me to say that and I still couldn’t tell you why I chose those exact words. However, the next thing you know, Mason is getting out of the box truck, making his way towards me. He approached me and we exchanged very flirty introductions, which led to him giving me a side hug and heading back to the truck. “He didn’t ask me for my phone number..”
I entered my friend’s car in the passenger seat and quickly thought my moment was over until…
Mason approaches my friend’s window and leans in. “Can I get your number?”
The rest was history. However, the twist was revealed within the first exchange of texts.
Mason was heading back to a rehab in Tulsa (Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center).
We were 4 hours away from each other. He was in the program and was set to graduate in 30 days.
I don’t hesitate. I immediately respond, letting him know I appreciate his transparency and openness. This door was opened for both of us. I eventually shared with him through long calls and late nights about Connor. What the tattoo on my left shoulder meant. What he meant. What I went through and how I found him.
Connor was a former boyfriend. He struggled with substance abuse. It ended his life, and I found him on August 6th. Heartbroken, exposed to a grief I would forever be attached to. This grief and his loss would shake me, break me, and swallow me.
We were both vulnerable in sharing our past, our lives, and our experiences. Mason being in rehab should have scared me, but it brought us closer and is part of our story. We always say, ‘God brought us together for a reason bigger than us, bigger than we may ever understand.
