A Trip to Jamaica

Doug had planned a trip to Jamaica, along with a couple of our friends, for some time away for R-and-R. During our Jamaica trip, after dinner the first night, our friends went up to their room to call home. Doug, being the romantic person he is, wanted to take a nice walk along the ocean's boardwalk. Walking along, we were amazed by the beautiful stars shining so bright in the night's sky and began talking about constellations. Although throughout the conversations Doug would stop and gaze at me and tell me how much he loves me and hopes I know how much I mean to him. To be very honest, this is Doug's personality. So smiling, I replied with an "I Love You too honey" and continue on with the conversation.

Still walking along the boardwalk, he stopped the conversation once again, wrapped his arms around me to hold me, and said once again, "Heather, I love you so much". Again, my smiling reply, "I love you too", but this time, as he was holding me tight in his arms, I looked up and saw the Little Dipper and quickly interrupted, "look...the Little Dipper!". As I was staring up at the sky, Doug dropped to one knee and asked, "Heather, Will You Marry Me?". With his teared up blue eyes and heart filled romantic words, telling me how much he loves me, I became completely overwhelmed with so many amazing emotions that I too began to cry. He stood up and with not even enough time to slip the ring on my finger, I embraced him! Somewhere in the moment, while tears of joy streamed down my cheecks, and a glowing smile gleamed across my face, I said yes. I cannot express in words the glow and excitement and happiness I feel, or explain how grateful I am to God that He has given us such a precious gift. This is amazing and the feelings we have can only come from one place!!

He completely surprised me. Our friends were in on it and had the ring with them so I wouldn't find it until Doug proposed. I was under the impression Doug had a time in his mind to propose and it wouldn't be until the beginning of next year -- very clever of him! Plus, he acted like he had no clue what to do about a ring and the little stinker had one being uniquely designed the whole time....AND WOW(but I am biased). Doug's 9 year old daughter Mackenzie, helped him pick it up which mades the engagement even more special to me.

This has been the most wonderful year, not only have Doug and I been given each other, but I have been blessed with my "new family", Doug, and his daughters Mackenzie and Hannah.

Doug and I will be married May 15, 2004 at the Butterfly House, the same day my parents were married 28 years ago!! So our wedding day has even more special meaning to us -- as I have always watched my parents LOVE for each other and their families it is so true and amazing! I have dreamed of finding their kind of LOVE....the LOVE that lasts FOREVER....and I have....we have!

Heather