The first time we met I was sportin' some worn out BDU's (you know, those awesome Army outfits), with muddy boots and some sexy post-crawling-on-your-stomach-through-the-woods hair. But it's ok, because he was too. That summer we worked long, hard hours to inspire kids. We had a team together, and even the 7-year-olds knew that we liked each other. It wasn't long before he asked me on a date.
We drove up the mountain to see the city lights and talked the whole night. I had never been able to open up that much to someone, it was amazing. By the time we checked our watch it was 4am and I needed to be back at work at 6:45. Did it matter that I worked a 14 hour shift the next day? Nope, not really, because he was the one, I just knew it.
And after that first summer together we went our separate ways, he went back to school in Florida and I of course went back to Arizona. Skype was our best friend, and I used my dad's flight benefits to go see him. I'm sure my parents thought I was crazy, but that's ok...I think they are too ;-) I was shocked how close we became even though we lived 2,000 miles apart. We became awesome at communicating...because, well, we had too. He learned that the way to my heart was a hand written note sent "snail mail"...I still have all those notes in a special spot. We went to two shuttle launches, relaxed at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, visited our friend Joyce in Prescott, smooched on the beach. Every time I saw him it was like the first time all over again.
I finally graduated and got a job in Huntsville. Finally, we could be near each other. Surprisingly, it took a little time for us to get used to being able to see each other all the time. We had to learn to prioritize and compromise in this new type of relationship. We learned so much more about each other, we learned how much we really loved each other and were so thankful that we had waited it out. Deep down our hearts knew that this was the right place...together.
Last night as we were saying our prayers, and having one of our special conversation times, Chris got down on one knee. It was so ordinary that the shock factor was dramatically increased. I was absolutely speechless. I had imagined this moment, but the moment was so much more than I could ever have imagined. It felt like time stopped and it was just me and him there, embracing, crying, smiling.
This man that I loved and that loved me back, he loved me in spite of Type 1 Diabetes, in spite of my obsession with space, in spite of my lack of housework skills. In fact, he embraces me and all my crazy qualities, he builds me up and motivates me, I say "Diabetes Astronaut" he says "Go for it!", he is my love.
So he's not the BF anymore...he is just the "F"...the "Fiancé". But I wouldn't want it any other way, I can't wait to be his wife ;-)