Engaged (Part 2)

The night was young, the weather was relentless, and I knew that getting down on one knee was going to be painful. The bitter cold struck down my back, as my foolish mind had forgotten to bring the right coat for the occasion. But I was more than happy to do it.

Since young, Caroline had always wanted to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree. I knew the lights were still brightly shining, so we hurried there on the 3rd of January, and hoped that everything would go accordingly.

I thought I wouldn't get nervous. How far from the truth could I have been? Various thoughts ran through my head. But at some point, I took the time to calm myself down enough to ask her. I proceeded by telling her that I would show her a magic trick. I made her current ring "disappear" and I "replaced" it. With my hands shivering, I bent down on one knee and popped the question...

"Will you marry me?"

Thank God her answer was "yes".

Prior to the nerve wrecking yet joyous situation, I went up to fetch her from VA, and when I was there, I asked her parents for permission to marry her. I never thought that they would be so encouraging. I had the longest hug that I'll probably ever get from Caroline's Mother - Deborah. And her Dad, Carl, was a very straight forward man, and he had a lot of wisdom to impart. But at the same time, he was encouraging, noting all the good qualities that he has seen in me thus far.

I also talked to my parents. And my Mother was cautiously happy for me... meaning that her practical mind was not going to waver, but her huge heart was pouring out with joy. My Dad knew that Caroline loves me, and so he too was happy.

I talked to some of my friends about it as well. Most of them were very encouraging. My closer friends even let me use their apartment for our engagement party. A lot of our closer friends attended the party, and I was happy that everyone had some fun.

We are on our way to the bank this weekend, to open our joint savings account. We're saving up for our wedding which is going to be some time in the summer of 2011.

I can't help but think that the events that led up to this joyful moment in my life were mixtures of both negative emotional struggles and positive emotional upliftings. But all in all, regardless of whatever experience I've had, I maintain that everyone and everything is my "teacher".

And this remarkable event marks a new era in my life.

Therefore, to all my "teachers" from the past... thank you. I'm grateful for the opportunity to grow from what you've put me through.