Samantha and I first met when she was 16 and I was 17 while working at the mall. Although we didn’t know it at the time, we both felt it was love at first sight. However, we were both too shy to let our feelings be known. We worked for a year together growing in friendship. We talked about our interests, taste in music, hobbies and of life as we stocked the shelves. Shortly after I left for a different career opportunity, it seemed as if that was where our story would end. Six months later I returned to working at the mall. Against all odds, the beautiful girl I was too scared to express my feelings for was still there. I finally noticed Sam liked me as much as I liked her. I worked up the courage to give her my number and waited to get a call. I thought she wouldn't call, but three days later she did. I later found out she was just as nervous and was waiting the customary three days.

John had planned a surprise in celebration of our 10-year anniversary, a weekend getaway. It began with a trip to the Adirondacks. I spent the ride up trying to guess where we might be going as we listen to free falling. Amongst the forest scenery we pulled up to Adirondack sky dive. Right then and there I knew it was an important day because John knew I was afraid of heights. In hopes that this was the day I had been anticipating, my long-awaited proposal, I agreed. Excitedly, we suited up and strapped in with a feeling of elation. Yet, as the plane begun to take off, I felt fear set in. As the plane got higher and higher so did my anxiety. When the door finally opened, I was so fearful, but I thought to myself I had made it this far. So, we jumped. And it was the most amazing experience. All that worry dissipated leaving only a feeling of awe. Feeling weightless with a view of all the horizon. But within an instant my feet were back on the ground. John then said we must hurry to book our hotel. Not knowing where we were going, he pulled into YADO gardens. We took a stroll through the rose garden, which boasted roses of every color and type. We admired all the sculptures as we made our way up to the top steps overlooking the garden. John begun “I wanted to take you to these places to show you what you mean to me because life with you is like jumping out of an airplane. You are so afraid to make that leap, but all you have to do is jump and you realize it’s the most amazing and exciting thing you’ve ever done, and you don’t want it to end. And then, your feet touch the ground. Yet, life with you is like walking through a garden. Its peaceful and beautiful and you don’t want that part to end. Our love, just like these roses if you water them, they will grow and bloom”. And in that moment as tears streamed down my face, he knelt with hands trembling pulled a ring from his pocket and asked “Samantha, Will you marry me”. I said “of course” and knelt beside him.