The Proposal

May 26th 2007 - the day my love asked me to be his.

May 26th 2008 - the day I was told I would have to spend a lifetime without him.

Last year my grief would not allow me to remember anything other than the horrifying events of that Memorial weekend, culminating in the news that ripped all happiness from my heart. But this year I want to celebrate the day John proposed. I never did share my story on here, so I think I will now. Super Saturday Fun Day, as John called it. I thought we were going hiking.

He picked me up from my house on Saturday morning, blind-folded me, and drove up to the hills above Bountiful. He had laid out a blanket with crackers, cheese, fruit, yogurt, chocolate covered strawberries, and sparkling cider. The weather was delicious and warm. After eating a bit, he started saying all sorts of sweet, tender things. I could tell he was getting nervous and I wondered why. He then kneeled down and popped the question. I had NO idea he was going to ask me (we had NEVER discussed it), so I hesitated long enough to think, "wow, do I want to marry him?" Didn't take too long before I responded with an enthusiastic YES!

Before leaving, he handed me a rose with a reason why he loved me. Throughout the day, he continued giving me single roses with reasons attached - 12 in all. It was so cute!

I thought we were done with our Super Saturday Fun Day but not even close! He drove me immediately to This is the Place Heritage Park, since he knew that that place holds sweet memories for me. I thought I was just giving him a tour, but he had greater things planned. His family was waiting for us, hiding in the church, videoing us! John's little sister walked across the street, and handed me a dozen roses! They shared in our excitement and they soon began calling all their friends and family to tell them the big news.

Once we left The Park we headed back to my parents' to tell them. They weren't home yet so we took the time to call John's sister, Julie. What a fun and memorable conversation! I was so excited she was going to be my sister!

Once my family got home we told them. John had called Tami earlier in the week to ask her what ring size I was, so she knew he was going to ask. Hence, she was conveniently in town that day. :) Love you, Tam!

Here John told me that we had dinner reservations and I had about 45 minutes to get ready! (Just like a man -- 45 minutes!?!) He took me home, I quickly got ready, and he was back to pick me up. We drove to Salt Lake and he took me to The Roof Restaurant on top of the Joseph Smith Building. We walked in and there were roses all over the table and another dozen roses sitting on my plate, with a sweet note from John. Wow! We had a great seat, with a fantastic view of the temple. It was heavenly! We were there 3 hours, just enjoying each others' company.

It was a perfectly wonderful day. When John dropped me off at home, my room was filled with rose petals, another dozen roses was on my bed with another note from John. I was speechless and so in love. What an amazing day.

The only downside to the story is that when someone asks, "How did he propose?" I have to ask in reply, "Do you have 10 minutes?" :)

I love my John.