We are tying the knot!

One day, as Gehrig was running his warmup laps on the infield, he noticed a girl. He said hey as he ran by. She said hey back. When the team ate together at the dining hall, she noticed he had a pretty slick sense of humor. Most people did not get it, but she was fairly witty herself and didn't miss much. Before long, they started sitting together and eating together. Since most of the team had each other’s phone number, she did not think it odd when he texted her to hang out. She agreed, but stood him up. He was devastated. But years of mid distance training had taught him the value of perseverance. He invited her again, and again and again. On the fifth attempt, she was trying to save her meal plan money. When he asked again to hang out, she happily agreed. Over dinner, she realized they had a lot in common. His charm and cooking quickly won her over. Fast forward four years and Melanie and Gehrig are ready to take the plunge.

G surprised me with a trip to Seattle one weekend in December. After meeting up with his sister (our sweet photographer for the day), we visited a lighthouse park at Mukilteo on the bay. I had never been to the pacific northwest before so my eyes were out the window the entire car ride. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. This could have been any of the rocky beaches in Twilight (it isn’t.) We saw a sea lion at the sea wall and watched the ferry come and go. After taking a few posed pictures, G says, “Look, there’s another sea lion!” So I turn and look. And I look. And I look. And I look some more. And I still cannot see any sea lion. Then G says, “Hey. Over here.” So I turn to find him down on one knee. The old sea lion trick. Careful fellas. This only works if your beloved is as gullible as I am. Ha Ha. Gehrig proposed to me in a way that was so uniquely us. This man allows me to be completely and entirely myself. Quirky and Nerdy. Shy and Insecure. Competitive and just a touch cocky at times. And he loves me in spite of it all.