The first time we met, Jasmine thought I was some jerk who thought I was starting trouble with her friend after shoulder bumping her to say hello. It just so happens that she was a family friend and Jasmine was relieved to say the least. Jasmine and I spent most of the night talking and getting to know each other until she asked if I could get her something to drink. Not sure of what she wanted, I decided to order a bottled water and as it turns out, that's exactly what she wanted (especially since she really didn't know me). After a night of dancing, it was time to go home. Jasmine being the very cautious person she is, asked if I could walk her to her car and was happy to do so. I believe I made her made feel at ease and worthy of her trust and it turns out she makes me feel that way too each and every day. And from there we began our journey.

I woke up - sick to my stomach, nervous, jumpy, and exhausted - no, it wasn't morning sickness, it was the day of my proposal. The day was July 3rd and it was the day I chose to ask Jasmine to be my wife. Today was already so special in that it was Jasmine's niece Shayla's 2nd birthday so I would have an audience to witness my absolute emotional wreck I was experiencing. No I wasn't second guessing my decision, I was joyful and wanted it to go as I imagined it would. A few days prior though was the real test - asking her parents for her hand in marriage. Her father Ruben said he would agree as long as I bring the cow, two chickens, and a donkey. Her mother agreed and was very happy as well. The plan was to blindfold Jasmine to hit the piñata and then make her wait at which point she would take off the blindfold to see me on my knee. While it didn't go exactly that way, I said everything I wanted to tell her in that moment and got the answer I was expecting...after a long, terrifying pause.