Technically, our engagement story started on a nondescript evening in November while Mark and I walked through the fields of what we like to refer to as the “Bouwkamp Ranch” (aka his parent’s property.) There were no bells or whistles, not even a “down on one knee” moment. While talking about where we both were in our walks with Christ, Mark simply said “I want to walk the path of my life with you by my side” and I agreed. Even with as little time as we had spent together since reconnecting in October, somehow we just knew that we were right for each other. The conversation didn’t continue to details of where and when; I guess it was enough for both of us to know that we were on the same page with where we were headed.
Our official engagement took place about four months into the wedding planning process. The locations had been booked, the deposits had been made, and the dress was hanging in my bedroom. We’d picked out rings together but it took Mark several months to pull together the money to buy my ring, and a few weeks more before he had his plan of action figured out. I was scheduled to fly out of town on the 15th of April to drive my grandmother and her sister back from Texas. I'd been hoping that I'd have a ring to show off to the grandmas when I got to Texas but the big day came and I was still ring-less. When we got to the airport, I did the auto check in thing and then we grabbed Pizza Hut for dinner. After we finished our meal we spent some time on the observation deck and then decided it was time for me to head to the terminal check in. We were saying our goodbyes when Mark got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. He told me that it had been fifteen years in the making but it was time for us to get it right. My eyes were watering as he slid the ring on my finger. It wasn't an expensive affair, it wasn't a big production, and it wasn't hugely romantic, but it was Mark at every turn; even down to him trying to put the ring on the wrong hand. Poor guy!
We’ve talked many times about how different life may be if 11 years ago we’d have both come to the realization that we fit perfectly. We certainly had plenty of opportunity to do things differently back then. In the end, to wish away what transpired in either of our lives since we parted ways would be to eliminate the things that hurt enough to make us stronger, to unlearn lessons we can now pass on to our children, and it would wipe away three beautiful children that came as a result of our separation. Even though there are and will continue to be frustrations along our path, it does no good to dwell in the maybes of yesterday. Together we will continue to allow Christ to be the center of our lives and we will overcome whatever hurdles are thrown in our way. For today, we are “truly, madly, and deeply” in love and we’re excited to make new memories and chart a new course together.
On another note, I’m pretty excited about my new sparkling piece of jewelry and I’ll be even more excited when Mark gives me a matching piece that seals the deal forever.
