It was Gus’s birthday and I had asked all of his friends to meet us at his favorite corner pub that night for a good old birthday ale and some special birthday cake. After all, he was always doing things for me and telling me I should go out with my friends or have my friends around the apartment so why not make his birthday special. Besides, this was the place that we had our first date, so its always been a place of good times for me too and I love his buddies. We were all having a grand old time and his friends were all teasing him about how we had our first date here and “don’t forget to always remember special dates, Gus, because woman remember EVERYTHING”. I love it when they start in like this, because it gets him going and he just sites there and rolls his big eyes.

So when I went to bring out the cake, Gus grabbed me and hugged me so hard, I was almost embarrassed. He wouldn’t let go. All of a sudden everyone started clapping. And do you know why? Because when he did let me go, he said he was giving ME his birthday present. The tables were turned this time and my man went down on one knee and asked me to be his MRS. So, since I am calling you, the answer must have been YES. Now our next dream -our Grand Canyon Wedding.

My true love is late again… why does he always have to be late, I am thinking for the millionth time. Knowing him, he will probably be late for our wedding, if he ever asks me to marry him, that is. 15 minutes later Bryan pulls up to the curb, but as he gets out, I notice he has a dozen red roses in his hand. Now he is making points. Perhaps after almost 5 years he has finally learned something. He runs up my porch, goes in the house to say something to my parents, and then, comes out, grabs my hand and almost drags me down the steps towards his car. By now I am a bit peeved.

Not a “Hello dear”, “Sorry I am late”, a sweet kiss, nothing. BUT right there in the middle of our front yard underneath the oak tree I have climbed since I was old enough to walk, he gets down on one knee and says “your parents gave me their blessing- I mean – will you marry me?” and popped out the most beautiful ring I have ever seen in my entire life. I guarantee the whole neighborhood heard me say “YES”. I guess I will let him be 5 minutes – BUT ONLY 5 minutes late on our wedding day. No on second thought – this is why I am hiring you, JB. Get my Bryan to the Red Rocks on time!

Jim asked me to meet him at our favorite beach restaurant for a beer on a Friday afternoon. Needless to say he had invited 50 of our good friends to join us so I knew he was up to something, but then again I figured he was always doing crazy things. When my beer came, I started to enjoy it and everyone started laughing. I could not figure out why they were laughing until all of a sudden I saw something sparkle at the bottom of the glass. Everyone yelled at once “BOTTOMS UP” And Jim got on one knee and proposed to me right there and then.

Of course – I said YES.

Every year Bill and I would give each other the same Valentines card back and forth and write a very special message in it sharing our growing love for each other. One Valentines Day, Bill insisted that we needed to make a quick stop at Pet Smart on our way out for a nice dinner. This was way on the other side of town and I thought he had totally lost his mind. But knowing Bill, he loves our animals, so why not?

I soon found out why, as he pulled into the Pizza Uno parking lot next door, where we had our first date. Bill got out of the car, came around to my side of the car, opened the door, got down on one knee, and there in the dark moonlit skies, said “Trisha, will you marry me?” and gave me the most beautiful Valentines card in the world. And the rest is history, as I am now talking to you a renewal of vow ceremony of 10 wonderful married years to the most terrific man in my life!

Trish