In March of 2019 we took a 2 week trip to Australia to visit friends and family from my travel abroad experience. About a week into the trip, we headed up to Grampians National Park with some friends. We were so excited to do some hiking for the weekend. I woke up on Saturday, March 9th, with no idea that it was about to be the best day of my life. We headed out on our hike early that afternoon. The rocks were pretty high up and we were jumping from rock to rock to get to the top. I was so anxious about the heights that I didn't even notice John quietly rehearsing his speech at the back of the group. We finally got to the top of the mountain, and the views did not disappoint. John wanted a photo on one of the cliffs. When we got to the cliff, instead of smiling for a photo, John just kept kissing me. I thought it was so weird and the first words out of my mouth were "uh, what are you doing?" I had no idea what was about to happen... The next thing I knew, John was on one knee holding up a ring. It was the best moment of our lives!

We begin our 20-30 minute hike to the top of the mountain, and I tell everyone that I’ll take up the rear of the group so I can watch everyone in case something happens. The truth: I needed to rehearse my lines because I still had no idea what to say. Thankfully, no one really seemed to care or ask why I hadn’t said a word most of the hike up. I noticed a small clearing in some trees that opened up to a cliff that had an amazing view, and better yet, there was hardly anyone around. I told Abby that it would be cool to go get a picture over there together. Abby’s friend Becca followed us out there, with both camera and go-pro in hand to catch the moment. Abby and I walked out to the end of the ledge and Becca took a few pictures of us. Then I turned to Abby and started kissing her. And kissed her again. And then again. (At this point I honestly still had no idea what I was going to say) Abby was a little confused and said “What are you doing?” while nervously giggling. I was so nervous and started shaking uncontrollably. I faced her and whispered to her how much she meant to me, how much I loved her, and that I couldn’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her. I gave her one last kiss while pulling the ring out of my pocket. With Abby 5 feet from the edge of the cliff and her back to a 500 foot plunge down the mountain, I went down on one knee and asked the woman of my dreams to marry me! Thankfully, she said yes! Without moving her feet for fear of falling off the edge, we hugged each other for a while and finally left the cliff to celebrate with our friends and other onlookers in the area. I was the happiest man in the world!