He Asked Me to Marry Him...and I Said YES!!

Get out your tissues, readers. This is one unique story. I don't even know where to begin but to say that I am one blessed girl, and the recipient of one of the most unbelievable gifts, ever. This story is for everyone that needs to hear some good news - and to be reminded that miracles still happen everyday. Amazing ones!
(Photos by Stephen Elliot) Matt flew in Saturday morning (yep, he took a red eye flight!), a weekend trip that his parents' blessed us with to help celebrate our one-year anniversary in person. A whole year of dating long distance, by God's grace! We've been through so much as Matt has struggled to find full-time employment during a recession, I dealt with health issues, and oh yes - a whole continent in between us.
Matt took me first to the National Mall. It was overcast and waded our way through the crowds to get to the Washington Monument. We were just carrying on conversation and chatting away. It was not unusual for us to take a little moment and listen to a song on the iPod next - and throw in a little slow dance as well. Next, Matt started telling me all the things that he loved about me, and how awesome the last year had been. Then, got down to reach into his backpack that was on the ground and pulled out a homemade card. He handed it to me while down on one knee.
I opened the card and first saw the "Marry Me" written inside of it...and the most stunning ring attached to a string in the middle of the card. I was shocked. There was a few paragraphs written inside of the card, so I told him, "YES!! But, don't stay down on your knee the whole time it takes for me to read this!" and said yes again and we hugged. I heard a commotion behind us, and Matt turned to the crowd that had figured out he'd just popped the question and said, "SHE SAID YES!" with a fist in the air. They all started to applaud us! I was laughing and teary by then. And, desperate to get that ring untied and onto my finger!
Beautiful isn't it?

The most amazing thing about the ring? It was given to us. Given to Matt and I, from someone that we have never met, that knew our story - someone that realized that she could help make our dreams come true during a time of financial struggle and uncertainty.

I need some more time to pull the words together for the rest of the story. Stay tuned, and in the meantime just know that I am over the moon in love and my cup runneth over.

To be continued...