A look back: Engagement

Photo by Julia MacInnis

One year ago he asked and I said yes.  In 365 days we've been through another deployment to Afghanistan (first was right before the engagement), an incredible wedding, a puppy that has grown up bigger, friends that have moved away, friends that have gotten engaged, friends that have had babies, friends that have gotten sick or hurt but are thankfully healing, the loss of a grandfather, the soon to be gain of a niece or nephew, lots of stress, multiple classes, a promotion, another insurance designation, one marathon plus a half marathon, tons of yarn and a good bit of wine.

In those 365 days, I have learned a few things: people can surprise you in the best ways.  I have seen incredible generosity from friends and brand new acquaintances.  Dogs truly are your best friend.  I had no idea I could love a dog this much.  Seems silly - she drools over peanut butter, dirties my floors, and subjects my hair to conditions I don't always approve - and yet, she is the best decision Alan & I have made as a couple.  Lastly, I have learned that Alan is a rock on which I lean more than I would have anticipated.  As someone who thrives on alone time and independent projects, I rely on him and he comes through.  For these lessons I have learned and the experiences I have had, I am thankful for the last 365 days.    

One year ago

My Gammaw was a true farm girl.  She hailed from Farmville, Virginia and came to the big city where in-door running water was fascinatingly new.  She knew how to make the most delicious fried chicken and yet she invited no one into her kitchen while was working.  She had the best squeal of a laugh.  She never learned to drive despite wrecking multiple cars trying to learn.  She talked about my grandfather with so much love that it was sometimes hard to believe he had been gone for more than twenty five years.  

She passed away one year ago today and I miss her.  Alan was deployed when she passed so they never had the opportunity to meet.  When we got engaged shortly after Alan's return home and less than a month after she had passed, the decision to have our wedding in her church was easy.  The day of our wedding was fabulous because when I stepped into her church, she was there.  

Photo by our lovely photographer Julia MacInnis.