September 11th Engagement

Ben and I had been dating for about four years, two of which we spent living together. We both knew we wanted to get married sometime in 2002 or maybe 2003, but since we had already made that decision we left the details ambiguous. It was very important to him that I be surprised.

I had been freaking out about our engagement, or lack-of-engagement, all summer long. There were numerous dinners out or surprises that I thought might be our big engagement day. Alas, Ben was just spoiling me.

In late August I got fed up with Ben's lengthy work days and planned a five day vacation to Puerto Vallarta so we could just spend some time together. After lengthy consultation with my maids of honor, my sister Megan and friend Heather, I was sure Ben would never propose on our vacation because the trip had been my idea and he said all along that he had a plan of his own.

I was further convinced that we would not be getting engaged on our trip when we landed in Puerto Vallarta. You see, we flew to Mexico on September 11, 2001. We were actually in the air when the four planes crashed in the United States. The pilot of our plane shared the tragic news with the passengers when we landed. The next few hours are a blur of tears, expensive phone calls home, and concern for our family in California and friends in New York. We managed to take a nap after arriving at our hotel, and tried to eat dinner and get our vacation underway.

I was starving, but Ben didn't each much at dinner. I thought he was just upset about the day's events. After dinner Ben wanted to walk on the beach, but I wanted to have a few drinks at the bar. He gave in and joined me in the bar, but got up about 10 minutes later and insisted that we go to the beach. I finally agreed. We took a little walk then sat down on the sand to talk. We were talking about our relationship and what a tough day we had. We talked about how lucky we were to be safe and how we shouldn't take any one minute on this earth for granted.

Ben was sitting next to me this whole time. He turned to face me, but I just kept on talking. I kept trying to put my hands on his hips as he faced me so they wouldn't get cold on the sand. He kept brushing my hands off, saying that he was swatting bugs. Little did I know that I was putting my hand on special little box in his pocket. I was oblivious.

In fact, I was so oblivious that kept prattling on while he tried to get a word in edgewise so I could propose. Finally he told me to be quiet.....then, he did it! Even now I don't remember much of what was said. As he started saying wonderful things about me, he reached into his pocket for the box. As soon as I saw that my heart started beating so fast and loud that I barely heard anything at all. I had tears streaming down my face when I finally heard him say "Jamie, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

I literally could not speak. My heart and brain screamed yes, yes, yes! But, my mouth didn't work. I finally whispered "it would be my honor." We cried and hugged on the beach as he put a beautiful engagement ring on my finger. I was so taken aback I didn't even look at it until we returned to our room an hour later.

The next morning, we woke up and moved to the nicest hotel in town to celebrate. We spent the next five days celebrating each other and getting used to the word "fiancée."

Everyone asked if September 11 was an odd day to be engaged. I don't blame them for asking, but I couldn't think of a better day. With so much uncertainty in the world, how could we dream of waiting another day to share with each other and the world how much we cherish one another.

Ben is my Price Charming....if you are reading this love, your proposal was everything I dreamt of and more. Thank you and I cannot wait to become your wife on September 14, 2002.

Jamie