The Proposal

I always believe in “happy endings”. Not that I live in a fairy tale world, it just so happened I believe in what GOD can do to make something like a fairy tale dream come true.

It was just few months after of being in the relationship when we both felt, we are so meant for each other. And yes we are ready for the next level. We both agreed to pray about it. Just like most of the lovers, you don’t want to rush things. But then, just like some of the lovers, why will you wait longer, if you are sure about each other already.

October of 2011. We decided to have dinner with my Daddy. Imagine the glow on my eyes. So without telling any details, we ended up having a quiet & fine dinner in Akbar Restaurant. Then afterwards, Russell asked my Daddy to go out with us to the beach. But because it was after dinner already, it’s too cold for my Daddy to hang out with us. After 3 attempts of asking, Russ did have a plan B, to just bring my Dad to one of the malls. Then my My Daddy spoke to me in “tagalog” asking,  “why does he kept asking me to go with you guys, when I said no already?” Of course I don’t want to spoil whatever Russell’s plans are. I just whispered to my Dad, “he might ask you something special???” Then I think my Dad read my mind!

They were walking along the beach and up to the sitting wall of the Esplanade at Avenue G in Redondo Beach, when Russell asked for my Dad’s permission to marry me! And of course… my Daddy was so thrilled about it. Without blinking his eyes, he said Yes to Russell. And that was the first part of his proposal. To humbly ask my Daddy in behalf of my Mommy and siblings, for the approval & blessings before he will ask me formally.

Nope. His proposal to me did not happen during that night. But then everything is implied already. I was then just waiting for the “ring“. Come November, we visited Illinois with most of my immediate family for Thanksgiving. There he made a toast of thanksgiving for my Dad’s approval and for the support of my family to him for our future plans. Come December, we visited his immediate family for the Christmas holiday. There he made a toast thanking his family for their support and partly sharing our wedding plans. Now, rewind. It was Sept of 2011 when we started going to different Jewelry Stores to check on rings. Why? My Russell is a practical man, he is spending already so he wants to buy me a ring that I will absolutely love & enjoy wearing. Where’s the surprise? I just chose the design but I’m not allowed to know how big and what kind of diamond will he put on it and to when will he do the actual proposal. Thank God for these 2 places that took care of my dream Engagement ring, Single Stone and Abazias.

Jan 26, 2012. He told me days before that we will have our Fine Dining date and because we’ve been busy lately we might pass by the beach. So on that day, coming from my part time work he picked me up. His car was just detailed. He was so dressed up and looking so happy. (I’m getting nervous already but my hopes are not super high). We then drove to Esplanade near Avenue G, Redondo Beach. Parked the car, then sat on the sitting wall and were watching the beautiful sunset. When he did the following…

He gave me a beautiful card about love & soul mate. Then he gave me a dozen of mix red & white roses. Then he actually gave me a big paper bag with a Dooney&Bourke Bag inside. I was thrilled! Only to find out when I was opening the Handbag, there was a white ring box inside! And yes, he knelt down! Grabbed my hands and opened the box for me and asked this question, “Emily Estreller, will you marry me?” My tears just flowed naturally, and I was actually shaking as I answered him, “Yes, my Russell Yuncker! Yes!” Then he put the ring around my tiny finger! Oh what a great joy! We then started calling & texting our immediate family members and few friends. Then an old lady about her 80’s was watching us, she approached us and said, “With my age and for the longest time, only this moment I witnessed a beautiful moment again that gave me so much joy. Now, can I take your photo for your guys?” We simply said thank you and took our pose as both Russell and I were in tears. Then we ended that moment with his planned romantic dinner with our personalized menu by The Chart House Restaurant.

… “My beloved is mine, and I am his.
He feeds his flock among the lilies”. Song of Solomon 2:16
May you always feel loved and to never loose hope in finding Love.
Someday, someone will call you, “mine…”