We’re getting married!

It all started with a smile. A digital smile to be more specific. A digital smile that got ignored for a couple weeks. At least it was for honourable reasons. Next was a chat about dogs (Charlie the dog was in a profile picture after all), childhood pets (a continuation of the dog conversation), and board games (GenCon 51 was fast approaching). Following this was an interaction that neither will ever forget: "I had a great day at work." "What do you do for work?" "I work for an enterprise software company that sells, CAD, PLM, IoT, and AR software." It was at this point in time that a google search immediately began. If you know anything about Brenda's and Jared's employment, you will understand. Search results indicated that Brookline was roughly 15 minutes outside of Needham ... far too close to be a coincidence. "So ... how many companies in MA sell CAD, PLM, IoT, and AR software?" "Haha! Good question. With that portfolio, maybe just our company." Yes, our company. "Well, we might work for the same company." "Really?! Don't you work in Maine?" "Is your office in Needham?" "Yes, do you work in Portland?" "Yes indeed, indeed I do." "Do you work for Kepware?" You get the picture.

It was a perfect Christmas Saturday. Jared and I had a day packed with activities starting with a homemade lunch with mom, pastor Leandro and Chris, where we shared a lovely meal ending with chocolate and pear panettone. Then we spent the afternoon decorating the house and Christmas tree with miscellaneous ornaments and lights. Right after decking the house, we took off to the the yearly Christmas concert at CTK. At that point, it seemed the evening couldn’t get any better. Then what was supposed to be a fun dinner where Gakii would finally meet Jared, turned out to be a quiet dinner at home. After dinner, as I was wrapping up and cleaning, I noticed Jared move towards the living room and position himself on the couch to look at the Christmas tree. I soon joined him. We talked and enjoyed conversation as I was building up the courage to ask Jared if he would like to come on a family trip to Brazil in April for my cousin’s wedding. I finally popped the question, he agreed and I was relieved. Shortly after, Jared told me that since we were all setup for Christmas, he was going to get my present. Although sweet, I was wondering why he would jump ahead and give me my Christmas gift the first week of December. Before I realized it, Jared was kneeling and unwrapping a small package. I was thinking, could it be earrings? A bracelet? And why is he kneeling? Is he more comfortable kneeling? Then I saw the ring; what looked like an engagement ring. Everything grew quiet- all I remember is Jared grabbing my hands and asking me if I would marry him. Through a mixture of shock and disbelief, something like- “really?”, came out. Followed by “are you serious?”, and then a “are you sure?”. The process of slowly understanding and enjoying that “yes” started to unfold....

I did not have much time. I was down in her area Saturday and we were going Christmas tree shopping with my parents in Portland on Sunday. I had a three hour window between church and when my parents would arrive. On Saturday we ate dinner with friends of hers, decorated for Christmas, went to a Christmas concert, and were supposed to meet a close friend of hers after. However, that friend needed to renew her visa and was delayed in Canada. This opened up time for me. I was not nervous at all. I was certain I wanted her to be my wife. I always thought I would be nervous. After dinner, I sat down next to the tree hoping she would join me there. Sure enough she did. We talked for a little bit about my brother and my trip to visit him. Then she asked me what she thought was the big question of the night. She asked if I would go to Brazil with her for her cousin's wedding. I said, "Of course!" and she was happy. Seeing that the mood was right with the Christmas lights and the trip to Brazil, I decided it was time so I told her, "Now that the tree is decorated, let me get your present". Notice I did not say it was a Christmas present, but highly implied that it was. So I went to the guest room where I sleep and got the box with the ring. It was at this point that I started to feel the adrenalin. I wanted it to be special for her and we had not talked about it at all. Then her mom started talking to her in Portuguese. Normally I do not mind this, however, since I do not yet speak the language I had no idea when the conversation would end. I did not have a Plan B. Thankfully, it was not long. When I heard her mom walk away, I entered the room, got down on my knee, and proposed. Her response was, "Really? Are you serious? Are you sure?" When she asked me the final question, I told her that I was 100% certain that I wanted her to be my wife. She then happily said, "Yes!"