Monique Hagins

When I saw the preview of the “The Photograph” I couldn’t wait for this movie to come out. Now my realistic single me, knew that there was a strong possibility that I will be seeing this movie alone on Valentine’s Day. But I didnt mind.So with work and the kids I couldn’t see the movie until February 15 which was OK with me. I had the time picked out and I was all hyped.Four weeks this movie has been the subject of conversation on social media, amongst my friends, and on the radio. But I tuned them all out because I wanted to have my own depiction of the movie. Not every day You have the opportunity to see a black love film. One where the characters could have been me. Just seeing that chocolate or Caramel complexion was all enough to make me fall in love with it. And I couldn’t be more proud. One of my favorite actresses, Issa Rae.She Nailed it. Shewas Funny, vulnerable, and real. Growing up looking at Bill and Claire Huxtable was unrealistic love. I knew no lawyers and doctors personally On my street.Now this film was such an amazing love story. A black love story with no stereo typical undertones of how black love is portrayed now a days. And no matter how enamored I was with the film It also made me look at my own situation.In my life, Love has swept passed me three times. I could say that I’ve messed up the relationships or I chose the wrong guys or I didn’t see all the red flags that were clearly waving. Or I can just say I was blessed to fall in love three times. I really don’t know what’s in store for me. This film just got me thinking. While it made me hopeful of love. In the same breath it also made me think about my reality. Am I not lovable anymore. I’m 42 and I hope to find someone. Maybe I had my three strikes.And that’s all it is. Maybe I’m Destined to be alone. And that in itself makes me quite sad. Because I have so much More love to give. Only time will tell. Love, Emotional #myphotograph