She said “Yes!”

After a few months of planning, finding the right ring, talking to her folks and friends. I finally asked my girlfriend to be my wife.

I was visiting Sacramento for her brother’s wedding last night and spoke to him and his fiance as well. Both of them excited, I mentioned to them that since I will be going back to Maui tomorrow morning, I would ask Fay for her hand on Sunday night at a special dinner.

Out of respect and dignity, I was not going to ask her any time sooner since the whole week was dedicated to his wedding and he thanked me for that.

So here I am having all the plans with the restaurant downstairs taken cared of, the ring, the card, a scrapbook, and a DVD for her later chronicling our time together.

For those who don’t know, this is my second time down the road of marriage, and the nervousness is still the same. Dare I say even more. Even after one marriage ended, I still never wanted to give up in the institution of marriage itself.

I don’t think I have had any doubts (other than the usual ones that come with this magnitude of a situation) so this decision of mine is not just based on feelings but also comments from my daughter, my family, and friends.

I think it’s important to note that anytime you are thinking of proposing, it is always good to get input from others. I think it’s essential to helping us see aspects about ourselves that we sometimes overlook out of “love”. And a lifetime decision like this should be based on more than just emotion.

I would like to thank the staff at Morgan’s restaurant (in the Sacramento Grand Sheraton Hotel) who helped lay out the scene at our dinner table. Our server Jacob, did a marvelous job of isolating the patrons from us so that we could have some form of privacy.

I can’t remember ever seeing so many tears of happiness coming from Fay as I unveiled the ring, got down on one knee and asked her through the poem that I wrote.

What was especially touching was that even though I had prayed ahead of time for our soon to come meal, she initiated a very heartfelt prayer of thanks to God out of gratitude which has always been in line with her character.

She is incredible. As far as when and where the wedding will be.... hey, let’s soak up the moment for a bit shall we?

Kudos to her friends (especially Rachel and Shannon) for keeping it a secret.

And finally, thanks to my biological family, my church family and all the friends for their prayers, support and love.

Until next time,

D-