Forward Movement Magazine Winter Issue 1 2015/2016 | Page 26
n
e
Wh e
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a
W BJ
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T ision
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“ HE USED TO
Hearing Wade tell the story of their
first meeting, it could make even
the coldest heart feel warm. A
college student at Houston Community College his first encounter
with BJ consisted of nervously running back and forth and asking her
questions about herself. Wade told
us, “I was so nervous that I would
ask her one question, and then run
back to my car. Then I wanted to
know more, so I would come back
and ask another, and then run back
BJ Washington
again.” BJ chimed in, “I thought he
was crazy.”
It wasn’t until the last question that BJ broke and they began a friendship that
blossomed into a serious relationship. While Wade’s mom and group home
tried to keep them apart, eventually love prevailed and after seven years the
couple moved in together and started their own family. BJ also has Cerebral
Palsy and Scoliosis, although a very different type than her husband.
Upon meeting BJ, you may take her for a quiet and meek one. But after a
few moments it was clear that she was the strong woman behind the strong
man in all aspects of their life. This 2015 Cerebral Palsy Queen winner, given
to her by “The Dream Team”, is the person Wade credits with showing him
how to survive in the world and keeping him organized each and every day.
He beamed proudly when he showed us his Facebook and Instagram pages
and said, “BJ set these up for me.” But those words would never come from BJ,
as she is a humble woman whose biggest concern is not letting Wade shine in
this moment. Even though she encouraged him to enjoy his photoshoot and
day as a star, that didn’t stop her from making us laugh throughout the time
with her dry humor and no nonsense answers. This wife, mother (Wade and
BJ have a 25 year old daughter), grandmother, and beauty queen does it all
while standing strong beside her man. It’s evident to see that the bond the
two share is beyond measurable, and truly inspiring to witness. Wade insisted
that BJ be included in the photos as well, since she is such a part of him. “This
is for us BJ. It’s our story,” he said.
BE THE FEET
AND I WAS THE
HANDS, IN OUR
RELATIONSHIP,
NOW HE
IS BOTH!”
Wade disclosed that ever since he
was a child he wanted one of two
things: To join the WWE or become
a bodybuilder. As a teenager he
may have competed in the Special
Olympics, but that wasn’t enough
to quench his desires.
A frequent visitor at Houston Gym
for the past 6 years, Wade loved
working out and the friends he
found at the gym. During his visits he
often watched Tina Chandler, IFBB
Pro train her clients, and Wade was
always impressed by her dedication. One day he got up the nerve to
have a serious discussion with Tina
about training to be a bodybuilder.
The conversation was intense. Tina
needed to understand Wade was
dedicated and Wade wanted to
ensure Tina was the right