#TooLatetoRundo

One evening in May, I put together a profile on Hinge and then went to sleep. I woke the next morning with a message from Josh – he had commented on a post I made about reading, saying he had been doing the same thing the previous night. Little did he know, mentioning the fact that he read was the best way to get me hooked. I responded to his message and after a few exchanges back and forth, we exchanged numbers and the conversations kept going. We texted daily and a few days later, he asked me to go to an Indians game with him that evening, to which I rejected, since it was such short notice and I was not desperate! Instead, we agreed to go to a game the following Tuesday. Since we both had plans that weekend we didn’t talk for those few days but on Monday evening he texted asking if we were still on for the next night, and I confirmed. The evening of our first date at Progressive Field, I drove downtown, parked in a familiar lot, and made my way to the ballpark. We had been texting almost all day so I knew he was on his way, but since he had the tickets, I had to wait outside the gate. Then I continued to wait…and wait some more. FINALLY, (after missing the first pitch) I saw him cross the street and reach me where we said our first hellos and made our way into the ballpark. We had tickets for the district section and everything about the evening was awesome. I don’t remember much about the game (but the Indians did win!) because we had such great conversation. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a ballgame that felt so short. After the Indians wrapped up their victory, we headed out of the park together. I think neither of us wanted the night to end, so Josh suggested we grab one more beer at a nearby brewery to which I happily agreed. After talking a while more, Josh suggested he head home (I will deny this, but he claims I was falling asleep). As we made our way to our cars, we said goodnight, neither of us knowing we had both just gone on our last first date.

I could write about every detail on how Heather and I met and how every piece fell into place perfectly. Instead I want to write about the part where I asked the question that changed my life forever. How did I know she was the one? Heather balances my emotions, creates my drive, and is the opposite half of me that I always needed. We share everything together. It was never a question of “is she the one?” Instead it was always “how was it possible to meet someone so perfect for me?” From the cruise we went on together on our 4th week of dating, to the half marathons we run together, the list is endless, and you were always the one.

In the middle of a pandemic a proposal was no easy task, especially since Heather always likes to be in the “know.” We had been doing at home date nights on Fridays during quarantine: We would get dressed up and cook an amazing meal together. The idea struck to propose on one of these nights. My mom and I planned the proposal at the Cleveland Art Museum, in their garden. After work that Friday, it was my turn to cook our date night dinner: enchiladas (Heather’s choice). While normally I would have been going all out trying to make dinner perfect, I was a bit preoccupied keeping Heather non-suspicious and keeping everyone involved in touch with the plan. To this day, I am not sure how Heather did not figure out something was up. Carrie asked to stop over to do Heather's nails earlier that day. I thought would have blown the surprise. Somehow, it did not. That evening, dinner was done; my nerves have officially kicked in high gear. I texted my mom saying we were on our way. I tried to make small talk in the car, while knowing in my head this is the biggest day of my life. My heart was sunk in and I had no idea why. We pulled up and I was barely holding it together. I stepped out of the car, put my hand in the pocket were the ring was, and grabbed Heather’s hand to walk down to the garden. We turned the corner and there was exactly what I envisioned. Heather still had no clue what was happening, until she saw the pictures were of us. I will never forget her eyes. The way she looked at me, she knew. I do not remember a word I said, but all I was saying in my head was “Do not forget to get on one knee!” I will never forget Heather’s smile. Her face was glowing, her eyes wide open, and all I remember after is her saying, “Josh, Yes. Of course I will.”

There are moments in life that shape a persons life. I will always look back at all the memories we have together. Each and every one of them coalesces and helps overcome all of the difficult times and the struggles. All I think about is the love I have for her and who I am as a person because of her. I wish I were able to describe with words how much Heather’s life and love means to me. I cannot because words are simply not beautiful enough.