the proposal

The proposal began with me taking two airplanes, a bus over state lines, and two trains, plus a walk to Erin's house. I had slept in two hour increments for about 3 days, so when I got to Boston...I napped...a long time. It was a good diversion, who naps right before engagement, but I had to. I had thrown her off a few times. I had her thinking we were going to some sort of ticketed event (concert, play) that night REQUIRING she get off work. She asked me one hint of what the Christmas present I got her was...I responded "fuzzy" without hesitation. I have no idea where it came from.

So when I awoke from my slumber, I kicked her out of the living room and set up some candles and cushions. We watched a slide show portraying our history through trips (the DR, Dallas, Atlanta, Colorado) some concerts, and many other memories...all to the lyrics of a Bright Eyes song named "You Are The Roots That Sleep Beneath My Feet and Hold The Earth In Place"

After the slide show I read her some poems I had written in college about the type of girl I saw falling in love with someday. The premonitions were not dreamy, just hauntingly accurate.

Then I had Erin get her Bible and we read Song of Songs to each other, reciting the coinciding parts. Halfway through Erin started to tear up, because the journey of the Lover and Beloved are certainly not smooth and without mistakes, but deep in love and grace...just like us.

We finished and I prayed for us. After praying I realized there was no smooth way to retreive the ring from my pocket...so I had her pray and while she did I collected myself for the second try. After she said "amen" I handed her a gold satin bag and said,

"here is your Christmas present"

followed by "will you marry me"...

followed by a long, genuine, Erin Elmore hug.