Best Marriage Proposal Reaction 2015

From early on in my relationship with my "now fiance," I knew that he was going to be the one who I'd spend the rest of my life with. Looking back now, I realize that at 16 years old, that's a little too young to be thinking about forever! As the years went on, our love for each other continually grew stronger as we changed independently and experienced what life has to offer. Just shy of eight years after we started to date, Zach went away to basic training for the army. Ten weeks might not seem like a long time to not talk or see someone that you love dearly, but it is. Although, snail mail and a few phone calls were better than nothing! Finally it was my turn to hop on a plane to go watch him graduate! 

The thought of him proposing to me never crossed my mind once. He was at basic training for the army, not vacationing at St. Croix! As the commencement ceremony ended, my heart was already filled with so much happiness, so when I was finally able to find Zach amongst the crowd of the other newly graduated soldiers and their families, I could only express to him how proud I was of his accomplishments! He was the platoon guide during his training, and as they started to circle around him, I thought they were just doing some routine thing or they had a surprise for him! I almost stepped away so that he could have all the attention!  Little did I know, his sister and brother in law were in on the plan the whole time and were able to give him the ring that day without me seeing.

Just like that, a new chapter in my life began! I left on a plane the very next day, headed home with a shiny new ring on my finger, and I couldn't help but sit there in awe at how fast time flies by. From moment to moment, second to second, you never know what your future holds! Embrace those who love you and want what is best for you. Appreciate the things in life that make you happy and the people that want nothing but happiness for you. Don't dismiss the things in life that have made you feel sadness, pain or suffering for it is easy to forget that an experience is never wasted. Open your heart to what you can learn from others, but also remember to share with others what comes from your heart. In everything that you do, give thanks to our heavenly Father because your life is a blessing, as well as the people in it. 

I've been lucky enough to find my special someone that I've grown with, learned from, and have been embraced through all of my ups and downs, sadness, and healing. He wants to make me happy every day, and fully supports the development of my own personal growth. Maybe thinking about spending forever with someone at age 16 wasn't such a bad idea after all!