A Jamaican Engagement

Even though I always knew Mike and I would be together forever, I remember the exact time and place when I was convinced Mike would be my husband. It was October 1998 and we were on our first trip together in Chicago. The trip was going really well, and I am positive I had little cartoon hearts flying around my head the entire time! We were browsing through the Museum of Science and Industry when we came across an exhibit that stretched a long wall and displayed several different stages of a human fetus. Starting at the “conception stage”, we slowly made our way through the other stages. I remember watching Mike’s face light up at each stage, and all of a sudden it hit me hard: I will marry this man and have his children. I always knew that he was my soul mate, but this was when I truly believed and accepted it. Not once have I ever doubted it.

Since I knew we would be married someday, it should be easy from there, right? Wrong. Mike and I talked about marriage for months, but when was he going to pop the question? He would not give me one clue, so I anxiously waited…

Birthdays, special occasions and Christmas flew by in 1999, nothing happened. It was now January 2000 and I was beginning to get the blues (partly because of post-holiday drag, partly no engagement) and I was talking to my friend Jen on the phone, “I have nothing to look forward to right now but BLAH winter. I need something exciting to happen.” The next day when I came into the office, I received an “urgent” email from Mike saying, “Be prepared to be out of the office for the next few days…” Immediately I knew what was happening! For the rest of the day I received an email every hour giving me clues as to where we would be going, what I should pack, etc. Mike had arranged everything from time off with my boss, boarding for my dog, doing my laundry and a Buff and Bronze at a local day spa! I spent the entire day with my head in clouds unable to concentrate on anything work related.

I spent the evening packing my suitcase and bothering Mike trying to find out exactly where we were going. All I knew was that the weather was warm, I was leaving the country, and the flight was 3 hours. It drove me INSANE! I finally got my answer the next morning when the alarm went off at 5:00 am—JAMAICA!

We flew into Montego Bay on January 20, 2000. After spending our first day at the beach, we got ready for a “Jamaican Celebration” held by the resort on one of its beaches. While getting ready, I kept checking his pockets for a ring shaped box. After a thorough check, I decided tonight was not the night, and I will just have to wait. We had a candle lit dinner by the pool, and listened to some Jamaican music played by a live band.

After an hour or so Mike suggested we take a walk on the beach. Jamaica at night is as beautiful as it is in the day. The sky was filled with stars, and the full moon bounced off the ocean pushing the waves gently into the beach, with reggae music that could be heard faintly in the background. I remember taking a deep breath while hugging Mike and enjoying the moment when I suddenly realized Mike was no longer standing next to me, but kneeling on the sand in front of me! Tears immediately came to my eyes--this was the moment I have always dreamed of! At that moment, Mike asked me to be his wife and I eagerly accepted.

As of 10:00 p.m. January 20, 2000, Mike and Kelly are officially engaged!

Kelly Lovera, St. Louis