Chris and I were engaged on February 14, , 30 years ago. I had an inkling. Chris and I had been together for four yearsβ¦we had been talking about marriage. I had my reservations. Not about Chris.
About timing. Had we lived enough of our life apart to live the rest of our lives together? But here we were. The candles flickered. We perused the menuβ¦ordered, ate a delicious meal. Did we want dessert? Time to exchange a few little gifts. But oh yes, I remember what he gave me. There was a sachet of silk, hand screened, with the earthy sweet fragrance of lavender. A small heart-shaped red box of Russell Stover chocolates.
And a smaller box, striped, with a gold lid. Instead there was a small inexpensive gold-filled ring with a tiny fake diamond. It was simple, but lovely. We had discussed this, now seemed like a good time. And while the ring was for ceremonial purposes only, the commitment we were making was definitely real.
We had already weathered a few tests, faced a few challenges. I met Chris when he was sad, disappointed, devastated really in the wake of a dissolved relationship. His daughter, just two years old at the time, was now six. Was I ready to become a stepmother? We set a date. Chose a venue. I found my dress and the bridesmaid dresses. Flowers picked. Menu planned. Marriage Encounter marriage-prep weekend completed.
But this was not just for ceremonial purposes. We were making a commitment, a vow, before God, friends, families, and to each other. There have been many challenges. Turns out it was worth it.
