It really does get better, hold on to your hearts ladies, this is the real live true fairy tale.

By no means am I advocating that all couples go as fast as we did and do the same as we did. On October 23, just like every other weekend I traveled up to Pennsylvania to spend the weekend. Friday and Saturday I am sure were very normal with us playing games, visiting with family and going to church on Sunday. We were attending a church that Joe had been going to for a while and although I really enjoyed the Pastor’s sermin, the worship, and loved how beautiful; it never really for me felt like the place I was mean to go to church at. I know its just a building, but Joe had many years of history at this church and I did not. So we would alternative going to that church when we could get a ride to a church that Joe’s brother attended a bit closer to us in location. Here I connected with some of the women and even attended a few bible studies and a ladies retreat; it would also not end up our home church.

Sunday October 25, began like most, attending church and then going over to Joe’s dad home for a late afternoon dinner. This late afternoon meal was exceptionally fancy, steak, a green vegetable, mashed potatoes, and a salad; which were all very delicious. After eating and cleaning up from the meal we retired to the love seat in the living room to watch some TV; again nothing out of the ordinary. At some point, Joe turned to me and started talking about how we were happy and in love, although I at the time remember thinking, What are you talking about Joe, we both know this! Which then lead into Joe getting on one knee and reciting a poem he had written for this occasion. Again, I just didn’t realize what was going on and was a bit confused, I didn’t start to really listen to the poem until I heard the end.

2009 Proposal poem written by Joe for October 25:

THANKS TO THE LORD AND NFB YOUTH SLAM!

Standing on the quad with a storm approaching
Waiting for more campus orientation
coaching Watching the signs of the clouds’ dark warning
Talking to a lady I had met just that morning During training
she had taken a place in the next empty seat With long, pretty hair, she was funny and sweet.

Her name she had said was Marsha, one not easily forgotten Having been of a different Marcia begotten.
Now here on the quad she was starting to fret The cell phone in her pocket might soon be quite wet.
I said not to worry for this event I prepared My solution was simple and with her I shared.
My backpack contained exactly the thing that she needed So I gave her a present and advice that she heeded:
I said, “Here is a baggie that will make things all right; just slide in your phone and zip-lock it tight.”
She was totally tickled by this gesture of caring and I’ll never forget her “Can I keep you?” declaring.
A friendship was started on that day three months past It’s been a wonderful journey, a blessing, a blast.
Getting to know you and falling head-over-heels in love No doubt in my mind, this is a gift from above.
Whether playing or working, reading, cooking or talking, Many adventures await us as together we’re walking.
Through thick and through thin — any challenge ahead We can overcome all barriers if by the Lord we are led.
You make me so happy and bring great joy to my day And in response to your question, I can now confidently say:
The answer is “yes”, you can keep me for the rest of my life.
If you’ll be my best friend, my partner, my wife.
Here is a second baggie, and there is something from me inside With the power to advance you from my friend to my bride.
So now it is your turn to get a question, and what will your answer be?
Marsha Lynn Marin Lindsey, will you marry me?

My answer was a shocked nervous 100% Yes!

Waiting for me were a bottle of Champagne and a dozen red roses. And of course Joe placed this absolutely gorgeous ring on my finger that was stunning in a million ways. Never before had I actually had the fairy tale proposal with a man getting down on one knee and professing all of his love for you. When I told Joe later that I had only started to listen at the end, he then recited the poem again. I know that many out there who are reading this are saying, but you all were planning on this happening, you were courting, preparing for a life together; when the actual time came I was blown away. I loved that Joe and his family went to all that trouble for him and I to have a special moment. With my previous marriage, there was no official or romantic proposal; all my life I had wanted it but never got it, until now.

Hopefully I can find that picture and post it here. Stayed tuned, there is more to come.