LET'S RING IN THE NEW YEAR

Every year in October we get excited for football and celebrating the upcoming holidays, including Ryan’s birthday. Birthdays are a big deal in our household, so of course when Ryan’s mom reached out to me about throwing him a surprise 27th birthday party I was all about it. After putting together a plan and creating a secret Facebook page inviting everyone, the only thing left to do was to not spill the beans….so I thought. The week of the party, our fur baby Chip suddenly passed away. Heartbroken so much of me wanted to cancel the party, but the still voice inside of me told me not to. Knowing we needed to be surrounded by love and any joy possible, I decided to not cancel. The plan was to have Ryan’s brother ask him to head to Phennys after golfing, then to go upstairs and play a game of darts. As they come up the stairs, flip on the lights then we all yell SURPRISE. The moment came and as the lights flipped on and they walked up the stairs, we all yelled and cheered for the birthday boy. “In shock” Ryan ask me to come over. Everyone yelled, “Are you surprised Ryan?” And with his response time stood still. “I’m very surprised, but this is not a surprise party for me.” Ryan got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. In disbelief, but with the most joy in my heart and smile on my face, I said yes. I was so incredibly happy, tearful, and in love. Later that night when we finally had a moment to ourselves, I said “you know I thought about canceling because of Chip.” With sweet confidence Ryan replied “I know and just when I thought it was too much to bare being around everyone, I knew Chip was kneeling next to me as I asked his mama to marry me.” With those words, I knew I had found my person and wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of our lives together. I’m so thankful for my still voice that told me not to cancel and that in the midst of heartbreak, we found so much love for each other that will last a life time for us.