Sunday, April 19, 2009

Preparing for the day Angie had no idea what wondrous events were really planned for the day aside from Jesus Time at 9, church, and a picnic for lunch. Things went routinely through most of the morning and after church we went home to make lunch for our picnic. As we finished making our lunch of sub sandwiches and strawberries she inquired as to where we might be enjoying this meal today. I responded in the usual vague way, “Oh, I have some ideas.” She smiled, changed into some comfortable clothes, and we were off.

We passed the drive talking about current local events, thoughts on church, weather (there had been a spike of 10 degrees since the previous day), and how good looking we are. As we turn off of Table Mountain Blvd toward the base of the mountain Angie asked again where we were going. I replied, “We are almost there.” Before we began to ascend the mountain, near the base of said mountain, we pulled off onto a bike trail which runs along the Feather River. As we parked I could tell that Angie was getting a little excited about sitting down along the river and sharing a meal together.

We got out of the car, gathered all the things we had brought with us and began to walk down the path searching for a place to sit and eat. After a minute or two we came across a blanket and umbrella which had been set up on the bank near the water. I suggested that we go sit down and to this Angie replied, “We can’t.” I asked why not and she said, “It’s not ours.” Once I convinced her that no one else would be coming to sit down here and that it was actually for us we sat down and began to eat our meal.

We ate and made small talk. Down the river a ways there were some young hooligans making a bit of a ruckus, but aside from that it was quite peaceful. The water lapping lazily against the shore helped to keep me at ease as I prepared to ask one of the most pivotal questions of my life. After finishing our meal I suggested that we take a nap and when Angie consented I made a slight revision to that suggestion. She likes to read before she falls asleep so at that point I asked her to read a small book that I produced from beneath the blanket.

This was a book about our story and how over the years and years we have become such great friends. It was filled with beautiful memories and some painful but character forming times we have been through. As she read aloud we both attempted to control our composure. She came to the end of the book which ends “we have made it so far together and before we go any farther…” She flipped the page to find it blank. Confused, she turned to me, now on my knee with the ring in my hands. “Angie, will you marry me?” She said yes followed by many thank you’s.

The rest of the day was filled with phone calls to relatives and close friends, a worship service with the church family we love so much and a party at a friends house. It was a beautiful day and it seems that almost every day since has been even more so.