Have you ever had a moment that changed your life? A moment that took your breath away? Or maybe possibly experienced a moment that you didn't think would happen to you? Well, I have recently experienced all three, and it was wonderful.
A little over a month ago (May 20th to be exact) my boyfriend, John, of 3.5 years proposed to me. It was one of those moments that almost seemed surreal and that it was not actually happening. My fiancee (I am still not used to using that word!) has recently posted a very accurate account of how he proposed to me. If you are interested in reading, I have a link to John's Blog on my home page. His blog is titled "On the steps of the campanile".
This blog isn't meant to repeat the events that happened on the evening of my proposal, but rather to explore the emotions I was feeling. First of all, I remember being in a good mood. I had just worked my last shift at Subway and John had suggested a walk. We frequently went on walks in the evenings as there really is not a whole lot to do in Brookings, SD. I remember being really happy, and just being a goofball on our walk. John did not look or act nervous in any way at all. So really, it was a relaxing walk and I had no suspicions at all that anything was going on.
When we reached the campanile toward the middle of our walk, I remember actually sitting on the south steps of the campanile and talking to John about something. I can only imagine what was running through John's mind when we sat there talking as he knew what was waiting on the other side of the campanile. I was still completely oblivious to anything going on. He finally suggested we continue on our walk, and took me past the east stairs of the campanile.
I didn't notice anything at first, because who expects there to be writing on the campanile stairs when out for a random walk? I sure didn't. I think John had to actually point it out to me. I remember having to read the words a couple times to let them sink in, Stacy, Will you marry me? Love John. He had written the words in sidewalk chalk just a half hour before I stood there reading them. I was stunned into silence and slowly turned around, and there John was down on one knee with a ring in his hand. I honestly didn't know what to do, and a thousand thoughts were running through my mind. Wow, I am so surprised! Is this really happening? How can he afford that ring? Why am I not crying? Should I cry? I love him. All of a sudden I am nervous! Am I supposed to say "Yes" or is he going to actually ask first? Why am I not crying, maybe I am too shocked to cry. Oh boy, this is really happening!
As it turned out I did not cry. I got misty-eyed and was touched to the bottom of my soul, but no tears found their way out. I think it felt so right and I was incredibly happy and comfortable, I didn't need to shed the tears to show my emotions. John did verbally ask me to marry him and I did say "Yes!" It was only after I answered that I first noticed John's nerves a little bit. He tried putting the ring on my right hand, and I had to remind him that it's supposed to go on my left. This kinda broke the ice again as we were able to laugh a little and then fully realize what just happened.
So there it is. I am engaged! I am still in awe. However, it is also very exciting and I am ready to spend the rest of my life with this man that I call my best friend and the love of my life! In my 22 years, this is the moment that has taken my breath away and changed my life!
