We are getting married!

Chris and I met back in 2014 while working at the same fire department. I remember how infatuated I was when I first laid eyes on him. His charisma, knowledge, confidence, and friendly, comforting smile gave me butterflies. At the time, we both were in different places in our lives, so it never went further than being, “just friends.” Our friendship, however was something special and so exciting. I will never forget how astonished I was at how he could be so happy despite the many bad calls we ran. I admired that in Chris then, and still do till this day. It feels like just yesterday we were on a call together, and he was in the back of the ambulance praying with a woman. That is just one of the many reasons why I love him. Chris is caring, compassionate, and brings light to those suffering. When I decided to leave the fire department, it was Chris who I missed most. Despite moving to Raleigh, I liked an event I saw him RSVP to in Wilmington. I had not seen Chris on social media in over a year, so this was merely just something to catch his attention. I remember the butterflies I felt in my stomach when he messaged me to catch up, seeing if i wanted to hang out at the event. I didn’t end up going (probably because I knew nothing about it), but we texted and called one another from that day on. Fast forward to March 2017, when we began hanging out again. It honestly was like nothing ever changed, or did it? I know that it was clear from the first Port City Java “official” coffee date on Market St., that maybe this “timing” was finally right. I wore the biggest, cheesiest smile just waiting for the next day we could spend together. Even though I played hard to get at first, I knew Chris was the one for a VERY long time. We were both fearful of getting into another relationship, but we put our fears aside when we were together. For the first time in awhile, all was right in the world!

Not only did Chris plan to ask me to be his wife in the most beautiful place in the world, he picked it to be on the 14th (my lucky number). He had already told everyone in my family and all of our friends his plan, I was the only clueless one! He was so set on getting up to the top of Grinnell Glacier by lunchtime, and I could not understand why, until later! When we got to the top, C wanted to take a picture. Nothing unusual here, we always take pictures of everything we do! He also was setting up our phones and using a timer to get all our pictures, so it wasnt weird that he did that this time. Well, then Chris walks over (shaking, might I add), and gets down on one knee. I was wondering what was wrong, why was he shaking, when he asked me the easiest question I have ever been asked. Chris had the biggest smile on and said, “We have known eachother for awhile now, and I love you more than anything. Karra will you be my wife!” I thought I was going to fall off the mountain, I was so ecstatic! I was #GRINnelling from ear to ear and ugly crying at the same time. Our engagement could not have been more perfect if Chris tried. I am one lucky woman!