We're getting Married!

We’ve known each other since Neal Jr High (1985) and casual friends through High School completion (Southern 1988). Primarily a sports link; Teresa was on the Cheerleading Team and Vernon played Football. Other than the fall sports overlap, we shared one math class and sparse interaction otherwise. College summer break ~ 1991, our crossed paths almost daily as we both worked at RDU airport. Teresa invited Vernon over to an informal social event, but nobody else showed up, so we just caught up on old times. That summer ended without us ever saying “bye” and exchanging phone numbers (pre-cell phone era) to stay in touch - still just friends. On the DL Vernon had greater interests, but too shy to act on it b/c he didn’t want to jeopardize their friendship and feared rejection. Vernon went back to school in Florida and life happened…. Teresa got married had kids and Vernon did the same, then a bit of life went sideways & unraveled for us both…. Back to square one. We reconnected ~ 2008 after Teresa saw Kim Harris-Ferrante Facebook pictures posted of Vernon’s 20-year high school reunion (Thanks Kim!). We caught up over dinner at Brix Pizza soon thereafter with interest to keep in better contact. The following weekend the band Crush was playing at Tony’s Oyster bar. Teresa’s friend Janet Willis encouraged her to invite Vernon. Coincidentally, that day happened to be Vernon’s Birthday, so he eagerly met up. We had a great night of dancing and stepping out of the friend-zone. While dancing Vernon told Teresa if she didn’t back up he was going to bite her. Teresa of course stepped forward and the rest is history……

Christmas morning 2016 we woke up, exchanged gifts as normal. As things began to settle with everyone enjoying new toys & trinkets, I told Teresa there was one more gift to open in her stocking she hadn’t noticed. Small square shaped box. As she got it out, I got on my knee - River & Ridge were immediately puzzled. They looked at each other with amazement – Is this about to happen? Is this going down right here/right now??? Teresa got wide eyed as well. I asked if she was ready to open that box, to see what lies beyond Door #2? Nervous yes, and slowly began to lift the lid. When she finally opened the box, amazement/relief/and probably slight disappointment - all in one breath, she found a lovely pair of diamond earrings. Nice yes, but not the nice she assumed. We all laughed at the comedy of the situation, but the gravity of the moment certainly captivated everyone’s attention. Flash forward to Christmas morning 2017. Somewhat same scenario, but this time it was real. Casually looking at ring styles several months gauging interest. But due to timing the ring she actually liked was a special order item requiring weeks’ forward order in advance. Time I didn’t have as Christmas was 2 weeks away. Luckily, a ring I liked was available and I wanted to give it to her on Christmas Day. Due to last year’s shenanigans, a slight suspicion cast, but uncertainly nonetheless. Christmas morning, I got on my knee in front of the kids. I told her we’d spent 10 wonderful years together, a flash; lots of joy, laughter, adventures, and dreams fulfilled. The Lord had long answered the desires of my heart by ushering us into each other’s path. Fully grasping life’s uncertainty of tomorrow and how life’s story ends, she was the only one I wanted to share the rest of my life with. I love to see her smile and wanted to make her dreams come true. I wanted her to be my wife every Christmas from that day forward. I asked her to marry me and she replied, “YES!”