Eight years …

On the morning of the 27th of February 2004, I woke up in someone else’s bed.  It was early, the sun was barely up, and I had time to reflect on the day that lay before me. In those quiet moments, with nothing but the sound of birds going about their morning routines, I wondered if my life was going to be different somehow, if I was going to be different somehow.  As the light crept in under the curtains, and filled the room with beautiful summer light, I felt peaceful and happy that my life was never going to be the same again. In a good way.

I started to day dream about the day Gary proposed, and how intoxicating it all had been. We went to Walkerson’s for the weekend, for a wintry get-away. It is certainly one of the most beautiful settings, and the rooms have gorgeous open fire-places that pair beautifully with a bottle of red.

We arrived there early on Saturday morning, and went for a walk up the hills in the cool winter air. On our way down, we came upon the small chapel on the property (which is famous for intimate weddings, although it is tiny and probably seats 20, if that!). So Gary suggested that we have a look inside, seeing as the doors were open.

We went in, marvelling at how cute and quaint it was, when we noticed a scroll on the alter, next to a small brass box. Gary picked it up, and removed the ribbon which was wrapped around it, unrolled the paper and began to read. (I remember telling him to put it back, as it was obviously there for a reason.)

 About a verse into the poem on the page, I saw Gary’s eyes had filled with tears, and I realised that he was proposing. And in the small brass box, was the most beautiful diamond ring I had ever set my eyes on.

Of course, I said “YES”! (the framed poem now hangs on our bedroom wall)

When we got back to the room, the hotel staff had prepared a beautiful spread of food and champagne for us to celebrate our engagement. (and later on, when we went up to the restaurant for dinner, everyone wanted to see the ring, and hear if I had said yes!)

It certainly was a magical weekend away, and a magical time in my life.

A sharp knock on the door pulled me back to reality from my day-dreaming state. Tanya (my best friend and bridesmaid) came in with a cup of tea. She was so excited for me, it was my wedding day!

We have been married for eight years today, and I couldn’t be happier, and I am so grateful and happy to have my husband, soul-mate, lover and friend, Gary, in my life.