Nathan and I knew we want to get married because I had been wearing his promise ring for about a year. Honestly, I did not expect a proposal until I graduated this December. Little did I know that I was about to get the biggest surprise of my life.
I must go back in time for everyone to get the full effect. Nathan had asked my dad if he could help him learn how to change the oil in his car. My dad, being the awesome man that he is, was very happy to show him. That day, I was inside the house cooking. I suddenly noticed that both of my parents and Nathan were heading out into the garage. That's weird, I thought, but I just let it go since I was cooking. After about ten to fifteen minutes later, my mom comes back inside.
"What was that about?" I asked with a chuckle.
"Oh," she said and waved her hand, "they just needed...something." I shrugged my shoulders because I'm the kind of woman that learns from the past, lives in the present and strives for the future.
Later, Nathan tells me that he as arranged for both sets of our parents to have a dinner together at the end of the semester. Since we had been dating two years already, I just figured it was a "get-to-know-each-other" dinner.
The day comes after much stress with the ending of my semester. Nathan cooked his wonderful herb chicken and his new lemon rice. Mrs. Jackson brought chocolate stuffed chocolate cupcakes for dessert. Yum! I was happy to see both of my parents and my future in-laws at the dinner table laughing and enjoying themselves. Things were going wonderfully!
When everyone was finished eating, Nathan and I did the dishes together. It was then he started acting a little funny. Normally, he stands back to let me do my thing, but that night he was a little "clingy"; very unusual for him. When I was finished he gave me a huge hug.
"You're the best assistant. There's no one I'd rather cook with, which is why," he paused, got on one knee and presented me the
My vision literally tunneled. It took me a good few seconds to realize he was even holding a ring. I felt like I couldn't breathe I was so wonderfully surprised! I had to ask him "are you serious?" five times before I realized he was very serious. I found out from Nathan that it was very hard for him not to laugh at this point because my reaction was priceless. Of course I said "yes." Poor guy, before he could even get the ring on my finger, I attacked him with a huge hug! Nathan has told me that he did not know I could bear-hug anyone so hard. I have to say that I broke out into peals of joyous laughter; pure joy!
When we came around the corner to tell our parents the good news, my face was burning red hot. It was not out of embarrassment, but from feeling like I would pass out. Yes, I was that happy! My whole body was shaking. As I sat down to try to get a hold of myself, I noticed that Nathan disappeared. I really didn't think much about it, until I suddenly looked up to see my best friend, Cassandra come around the corner! I couldn't believe my eyes. As we embraced, I almost started crying! Nathan had planned for everyone we cared about to be there. Even his best friend (Cassandra's boyfriend) Ryan was there. I was so happy to see him, too! Everything was just perfect.
My ring is beautiful! It is an heirloom ring passed down from Nathan's mother's side of the family. Mrs. Jackson wore it for 25 years and her mother wore it for more than 50 years. I am absolutely enthralled and honored to be wearing this ring. I intend to carry the tradition when the time comes. For now, I get to admire it. I can't wait to get the wedding band fused together.
After more laughter and pictures, Nathan and I finally had a moment to ourselves. All he could do was just say "fiancee" over and over. He only did it though because of my apparently "cute" reaction. He ended up not staying, too long after that because we were both extremely tired. He still had to drive home. So after saying a happy goodbye, I finally had some time to myself.
I don't think I could have been happier to kneel before my Heaven Father that night. You see, I had been quietly asking the Lord to let me and Nathan get married. He and I had a very unusual start to our relationship and I have to say that though it progressed rapidly, it was right for us to become a couple. We both felt that God put us together for a reason. So that night the only three words that I could say to my Father in heaven was, "thank you, Father!" I cried very hard during that prayer. It wasn't tears of sadness, but tears of pure, humble joy and thanks. The Lord has blessed me with this wonderful man. Through horrible circumstances he brought us together and blessed our relationship all the way to this point of being engaged. I am so thankful for that. I also know that because He will continue to grace us with His blessings even in marriage. He has never failed me and He never will in the future. Praise God on the most highest! He is worthy of our praise!
As time goes by and more wedding plans are set, I will be posting blogs of the experience. I will just say now that Nathan and I will be engaged for at least 2 years because we want to graduate from college first. Honestly, it isn't so bad. I think that this will let us save up money and put into place those foundations necessary in marriage. It also gives us plenty of time to plan things. If anyone has ideas or advice, please feel free to comment. I made this blog so that our families can be better connected and learn more information as time goes on. Please enjoy!
God bless!
