Gimme a Ring...

Who hasn't said the above phrase to a friend when asking for a phone call? I mentioned it to Grady on Saturday night as I leaned down from outside the passenger side of the car after being dropped off. It had been a freezing cold weekend with icy roads and I wanted to make sure that I would find out if he had got home safely, y'know?

Well who would have known that almost exactly 24 hours after I said it that it would "ring" true in a totally different way! Grady gave me an engagement ring on Sunday night at a lookout point over the Elbe river and the lights of Dresden. It was a perfectly clear night with a practically full moon, and the arctic cold wind reminded me of Oklahoma's humid and freezing winter days. He "wanted to look at the stars" and being Canadian I of course didn't let the cold intimidate--I just made sure to wear long underwear and a thick scarf and gloves. It's not very often that the typically overcast and dreary skies clear up for stargazing opportunities in Dresden and we had to take advantage of it!

Grady and me at a church retreat

So when he started reminiscing about all the walks and important talks we'd had along the river we were now overlooking, I thought it was just another usual way he was continuing to work at keeping our relationship focused on the goal of marriage. He had bravely and clearly stated his intentions of wanting to date me to see if we were compatable for marriage back in the summer and he had always been open and honest about important issues. This was no different and I didn't think anything of it.

A couple minutes later he suggested that we take some pictures, since he had brought his camera. I stood by the railing, with Dresden's lights and the river behind me, and he snapped a couple shots before stopping to try something different. "Why don't you turn around to face the river and when I count to three, turn back around to me with your arms out, like an action shot. Ok?" I'm not going to lie, it was a little cheesy. What can I say though, people do crazy things when they're in love. :)

posing for a picture

"Ok, umm, one more second...ok, umm, I just need to fix the flash...don't turn around yet...almost ready...ok, 1....2....3!"

It was right about then that I realized something was up.

It wasn't him though, he was down. On one knee. And holding something out towards me...

Not to spoil the romantic scene, but I have to explain here that this lookout point was also (unfortunately) well lit with those orange street lights so that no mischief could take place. And it so happened that when I turned around I did see Grady, but it was more of a silouette of Grady since he was very well lit...from behind. Grady, is that you...? :)

Yes yes, so it was him and when he said my name I couldn't quite grasp what was going on at first. So he said it again, more seriously and I finally locked eyes with him. I couldn't believe what was about to happen!

So he proposed, and I said yes. But then (I must add) I did follow up with, "You better not be kidding!"

overlooking the city and Elbe

Of course he wasn't. But a girl just has to be sure!

After a couple more pictures and Grady's hands going completely numb we decided it was time to return to a place of warmth. January 15, 2006 will always be a special day to us!

We don't have any wedding plans set yet, but will keep everyone posted. Thanks for all your emails and calls--it's been wonderful to share this time of joy with you all!

my beautiful ring