I proposed to my girlfriend, Gretchen, around 10 AM today on Chattanooga’s Walnut Street walking bridge over the Tennessee River. I did it on “our” bench, on a one year anniversary from her first visit to the bridge with me, and on her favorite holiday — Independence Day. We sat down on the bench and I talked for a minute or two before asking her to close her eyes. I then pulled out the ring and popped the question and she said YES!!! She was surprised and excited. My nerves were just about shot. But it was all good. We hugged, gave each other a kiss — and then got interrupted by a bum asking for money. I gave him $5, but he didn’t leave. Instead, he asked us if he could pray with us, grabbed our hands and did. And then he still wouldn’t leave! I had to tell him I had just proposed and we were having a moment, would he please leave, before he finally did. Brother! Still, I’ve never asked anyone to marry me before (I’ve been proposed to in the past) and I was nervous and it really couldn’t have gone any better and I’m so pleased. I couldn’t afford to give the monster diamond ring I wanted to give her, but she seems very happy with the one I did give her, so that’s good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now comes the question of when. We would like to do it in December, but a lot of things have to fall into place first, so we’ll tentatively work towards that date while coming up with an alternative in case that doesn’t work out. So anyway, I just had to share. Cheers all!