20 Years Since I Said Yes!

At the break of a millennium & start of a new decade, he asked me to be his wife. He said he didn’t want to spend the new millennium alone.  I should have gotten a hint Christmas ’99, with the new subscription of bridal magazine that arrived in my name.  I thought a mistake had been made & planned on calling & stopping the subscription after the holidays.  

At that point we had been together for about a year and a half. To some that might not be enough time to date before asking the question.  For us at the onset of the relationship, he told me he was only dating me & if I wasn’t ready for an exclusive relationship to let him know.  A lot was going on; my dad had passed away and I was in my senior year in college.  After a month of thinking; did I have time for a committed relationship, had my heart healed from a previous relationship; I replied that I would give “us” a go.

Fast forward from July 1998 to January 1^st, 2000…  He picked me up, New Year’s Day & said let’s go for a drive. He took me to the park & asked me to take a walk with him.  If you know me at all… you know I paused for a minute. Lol. It’s freezing outside… he promised it wouldn’t be long & that I wouldn’t be cold. (Sometimes you just have to let go & let the man lead!)  So, I surrendered & followed. (Very hard for me to do).  He sat me down on a park bench, under the moonlight and stars, got on one knee & took a box out of his pocket & opened it. My mouth dropped!  Speechless for a moment and then I tried like I so often do, take charge of the situation.
               What are you doing? You are going to get your pants dirty.  Get up! Lol!! I kept talking so he wouldn’t ask because I was terrified. Will you marry me & spend the next millennium with me. On, & on I went listing all my faults & fears. Maybe that will give him reasons to run off. (I am my worst enemy). He simply said, you won’t have to face them alone now. With a flood of tears I threw my arms around him & said Yes.
             I have to admit he has been by my side for the past 21 years holding my hands battling my fears. When I think back he has been by my side during some very low moments & highs. Never has he tried to change me or ask me to change. When I want to shut the world out, he stands in the door way & keeps guard.
            On our 20th Anniversary proposal date (Jan 1^st 2000-2020), I reflect & think how far we have come. I can’t help & also think of those who started this journey like we did & are no longer. What’s different with us & what did they lack that their relationship fell victim to separation or divorce. I give praise to the Most High because I know it’s all Him. I’m sure that there have been times we could have ran from our commitment but we remember who brought us together. I also believe we had great examples in our parents who gave meaning to the words “’till death do us part”.

Last night I looked over at him and said, you must have had a hard Christmas ’99 agonizing over asking me to marry you and wondering if I would say yes? He replied, I had a pretty good hunch you would say yes. LOL!!
             Would I say yes today? Yes! Our journey continues.  I love you.

I know that many have used this holiday season as a time to “pop the question”. As wonderful & magical that might be, have you had that honest conversation. Are you ready to be committed to ONE? (I know a few that thought they were ready to sacrifice “self” and once in that commitment, they realized they couldn’t give up “singleness”).  Have you asked because you were given an ultimatum? (Ladies, if he is not asking of his own free will, he is NOT ready).  Have you, said Yes, & had time to think & have a change of heart. (If you have doubts now is the time to speak up).  Is this simply something on your bucket list? (If so, you can’t just check off “engaged”, done and move on).  Share how he proposed in the comment box, some might need some ideas, Valentine Day is around the corner; another busy time of year for proposals.  ♥️ Mom2Greg&Emmie