The story of the ring

I thought it would be interesting to be able to see the contrasting views in this blog, coming from each of our sides, showing what all went into "the big question"

July 28 made a solid year with Lori, and I was very excited.   Throughout our time together, I'd been thinking about the idea of marrying her, praying about it, reflecting on our relationship, praying some more, and asking God what He'd have me do.  To know me is to know that while I'm often confident on the surface, I, like most guys, have some doubts about things lurking just beneath the surface.  This was a very important time to me, so I'd taken steps in my walk with God to know that the decision I would be make would be a strong one, based on my faith, unshakeable, and with open eyes.  Our mutual faith has played a great role in our relationship.  That's been very encouraging, and I enjoy all that it brings us, knowing particularly that when we disagree, our foundations lead us to discuss things rather than shut one another out (as I commonly did in all my prior relationships).

All that having been going on in the background and in my mind, more than one person asked me along the way to imagine what my life would be like without Lori.  Taking the time to really think about that deeply was a turning point for me, knowing solidly the decision that I would make.

August 5, we were at one of our Country MegaTicket concerts (Kenny Chesney) in Raleigh.  While Lori was away for a minute, our friend Catt nudged me and said "so it's been a year, where's this heading?"  Little did she know what was already being worked out in my mind...

On August 12th, Lori & I had gone on a trip to DC.  I had spoken with mom before this trip, telling her a little about my plan, and asking her to distract Lori for me.  I had conveniently scheduled a dentist appointment that day, virtually guaranteeing that Lori would not want to go with me, since my dentist is a good family friend and we inevitably talk for a while.  So, Mom took Lori out for a "girls' day," helping me to carry out my pre-arranged plans to go see Teddy, the jeweler who made Mom & Dick's rings.  Dick drove me to Teddy's, where we decided on a ring design and I got to see the center diamond for the first time.   And so began "Operation Don't Spill the Beans!"  Needless to say, the next few months, holy crap, months, dragged by when it came to figuring out the logistics of actually getting the ring while not telling a single word of this to Lori.   VERY difficult, given that I have become so accustomed to being open, honest, and forthcoming about everything with her.