A few years back, I interviewed Troy for a job via teleconference. I was really impressed by his passion for leadership, desire to serve and give back - so much so that I turned to my interview partner afterwards and asked “Who was that guy?!!” I knew instantly that I wanted him in my new organization, and tried to hire him, but fate intervened and he was asked to stay in his job. As time went by, he volunteered to work on a few projects for us and every once in a while we would talk. I still wanted him on my team, and kept trying to figure out how to hire him. We didn’t know it, but we were each going through relationship transitions and one day we compared notes. It soon became obvious that we would ‘hire’ each other for a completely different role....

Let's cut to the chase...we started dating. I can't tell you 'when' it happened, all I knew is that after each time we spent together, I wanted "more", more talking, more experiences, more 'Gail' , and more 'Us'. Age is a wonderful thing, there comes a time when all of your life experiences come together and give you a focus, a clarity, a sense of 'knowing'. I knew that I was with a wonderfully delightful, intelligent, funny, demure and beautiful woman - who loved me. I knew that I was a better man for having her in my life, and I knew that I wanted to be 'more' for her. I knew in my heart where I wanted this to go. Another thing about age - the more you have - the less you have to look forward to, and I wanted the rest of my time to be with Gail. I think she feels the same, but I need to ask her, and, I need to ask her 'right'. (Enter the 'ring' story - short version - Gail's long time friend in jewelry biz - large Sapphire - custom ring. Long version upon request) . Now, 'how' to propose?? Gail is NOT the sort who would enjoy a 'flash-mob' of dancers surrounding us in a public place. I was not the sort to do this in private, I was gonna be rejected or accepted in front of witnesses! Finding the right setting was in front of me the whole time. You see, Gail had brought me into a group of which she was a member, the "Roving Diners". This was a group of close friends & co-workers who took turns each month hosting a dining event somewhere around the island. This group of people knew Gail very well, for many years. I secretly told the scheduled host of the next dining event, and Gail's two best friends of my intentions. The night of the dinner - as we mingled with cocktails before heading to dinner, I gave a nod to the hostess and made an announcement. "Gail, I am tired of attending Roving Diners as a "plus one"...(Dramatic pause - confused look on Gail's face) - I wonder if I could continue as your husband?" (Knee Drop and Ring Pop on photo page)