Okay. Soon you will know "the rest of the story." I feel as if I've lost my steam but here we go!!! :-)
Dating. Matt would always get up early in the morning to meet me for breakfast at GBS. I think that I always had a 7:00 class and would eat breakfast before that. (Most important meal of the day ;-) Now that I know how important Matt's sleep is to him - I can appreciate his sacrifice even more. Only true love. Otherwise, nothing really stands out in my mind. We would pray together and have devotions on our dates. One of our favorite places (including our first date) was at Fuddruckers. We loved the Oldie's music and the decor inside - and I love a good juicy burger. Also, Matt often indulged me (and encouraged) my Starbucks habit. We just had a great time dating for .... 8 months.... Then.....
In June of 2001, Matt & I went to attend my cousin's wedding. This was a really big turning point in our relationship. (So, thanks to Jeff & Andrea for their influence on us. ha ha.) Matt brought up the subject of our relationship heading to marriage. It was a little awkward and we clumsily talked about it. It was like the twilight zone to me. I had honestly never thought seriously about us getting married. I enjoyed our dating relationship and wasn't in any rush - I suppose. I really couldn't believe that we were having a conversation about marriage.
On October 19, 2001 - Matt and I spent some time together on a friday evening. Late in the evening, I started feeling sick to my stomach. And we had a special date planned for the next day, Sweetest Day - October 20, 2001. I was so sick with a stomach virus. Matt gave me a really sweet gift - an engraved heart box with the date and a dozen roses. I don't know why but I had this strangest feeling that I had missed an important day in my life. It just was an elaborate gift for him. And.... my hunch was correct.
November 10, 2001 - Matt and I went on the B.B. Riverboat Dinner cruise. It was so fun. The meal was delicious. The live music was romantic and we had a table near the window. Just as the sun was nearly set, Matt and I went to the top level of the boat. I don't remember if there were people around. I was in my own world. Matt seemed a little nervous and quiet. And before I knew it - he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Later, he gave me flowers and a teddy bear. Also, he gave me a card and inside the card - was a gold engraved heart that read, "will you marry me?" Yes, it belonged in the heart shaped box I had received a month earlier. Matt had B.B. Riverboat tickets for us on Sweetest Day and I sick in bed throwing up. He had to just give the tickets away - since there was no refund. Awww.... I guess he thought I was worth a second shot! :-)
Of course, I said YES. Later though, I gave Matt a printed /framed response.
Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing
Ever made by the Hand above?
A woman's heart, and a woman's life---
And a woman's wonderful love.
Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy?
Demanding what others have died to win,
With a reckless dash of boy.
You have written my lesson of duty out,
Manlike, you have questioned me.
Now stand at the bars of my woman's soul
Until I shall question thee.
You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart be true as God's stars
And as pure as His heaven your soul.
You require a cook for your mutton and beef,
I require a far greater thing;
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts---
I look for a man and a king.
A king for the beautiful realm called Home,
And a man that his Maker, God,
Shall look upon as He did on the first
And say: "It is very good."
I am fair and young, but the rose may fade
From this soft young cheek one day;
Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves,
As you did 'mong the blossoms of May?
Is your heart an ocean so strong and true,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.
I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give this all, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.
If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook
You can hire and little to pay;
But a woman's heart and a woman's life
Are not to be won that way."
— Joshua Harris
He is a keeper. I am so thankful for how God brought us together. Happy Valentine's Day to my knight in shining armor. I Y Q!