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Ten years ago this day, Derek and I were both attending Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. Our friendship grew stronger and stronger after getting to know each other for a period of 3 years. After 4 months of serious courting, on February 13th, 1999...Derek took me on a little road trip, to the Grand Canyon. It was only a 30 minute drive. It was nice to get away from our school studies. Plus, we always looked forward to spending time together no matter what we were doing. We were definitely falling in love. Derek wanted to make this day special because we couldn't spend Valentine's Day together, since Derek had an early, early, flight that morning to Dallas for a job interview.
It was such a fun day at the Grand Canyon, walking around the beautiful park. We had all the time in the world to just talk about everything and anything. After spending all afternoon in the great outdoors we decided to head back home to Flagstaff. I knew Derek had some special plans for us for dinner, but had no clue something bigger was coming. He dropped me off at my apartment to get ready. About 15 minutes before I knew Derek was going to pick me up, my best friend Amy came over. She knew I had plans, what is she doing here? Not like I mind hanging out with my best friend...but what's going on? She had this look on her face like she was up to something or at least knew someone who was. She handed me a flower (a Tulip to be exact) and a note with it. I was so confused. She then proceeded to tell me she was my chauffeur for the evening, and that Derek wants me to run an errand to pick up flowers for our dinner table.
Basically, Derek planned for me to go on a Treasure hunt before dinner and Amy was going to come along for good company. I was excited for the adventure and so curious at what he was up to at the same time. Derek has always been a fun date because of things like this (still is)...but for some reason this was different in some way. My sweetie definitely had us drive all around town, picking up tulips at each destination. It was fun to have Amy with me for the ride. Derek was very charming with his clues and even left some fun surprises for me at each stop. Once I got my last clue the anticipation was growing inside me. The clue led me to the LDS Institute building (where we meet for church and for other activities during the week). Amy then told me it was time for her to say good-bye. (I still have all of his clues ;), I keep everything! Especially if it's from him.)
Okay what is going on??? I saw a note on the front door that told me to walk around the back of the building and there will be a door propped open for me. It was funny because I actually saw a glimpse of Derek running through the hallway with a lamp in his hand (later found out he was running behind because of the restaurant messing up our food order not once but three times. Poor Guy!). I had to chuckle at that and just pretended like I didn't see him. I walked around back and entered the building. The sight was beautiful! I saw a table set for two with candlelight and a pizza box from our favorite Pizza restaurant, Oregano's. Yum! In the background I could hear music playing of all of our favorite love songs. The way he decorated the room felt like we were actually in a romantic restaurant in Italy. But where was Derek? He was nowhere in sight. I walked up to the table and sitting on the table there was a stuffed bear with a heart box. Beside the bear was a note that read:
His words just touched my heart and I started to cry! I opened the Bear's heart box and found a beautiful, sparkling, diamond ring. I was in shock and overwhelmed with emotion towards this man who had come into my life. I couldn't keep in the words... YES, of course I'll marry you! Derek was of course standing behind me watching me during the whole experience. Once I was aware of this, I just had to jump in his arms and give him his answer over and over again. We continued to enjoy our romantic evening sharing our excitement and talked about starting our future together.
I know this is part of our love story of how Derek popped the question (and I'm sorry if it was too sappy for you, or too long)...but I couldn't help but think about this endearing moment in my life all week. This is why we celebrate the 13th of February rather than the 14th. I'm so grateful to this day that Derek asked me to be his Bride. Whatever comes our way hard or easy we continue to fight for what we have and for what is still to come. I love you so much Honey! Thank you for making that day February 13, 1999 a special one and for all the special ones since. I LOVE YOU TO PIECES!!! You're the Man!!! My Man!!!!
