jillybean

Engagement story: Sam proposed on September 4th, on our one year and one month anniversary. Because our first date was on the fourth of the month (8/4/07) we always go somewhere every month on the fourth. So, I was completely clueless that he was going to propose that night. It was a beautiful day, which was a miracle in itself because it was supposed to storm because of Gustav. He picked me up (not telling me where we were going) and he took me to the place where we had our first date on the back side of Lake Grapevine. As we walked down the trail to the lake, we saw three deer. (just a side note) when we got to the spot where we had our first date, right by the water under a big tree, there was a blanket spread out with pillows to sit on and roses all around. He had a picnic basket, and had our favorite songs playing. He also had our photo books from the past year laid out. (we love to take pictures) The first thing we did (just like on our first date) was pray together. He was thanking the Lord for bringing me into his life, and for how our relationship has grown. I began to tear up just because everything was so sweet. (I still didn’t know he was going to “pop the question”) I had given him a card to celebrate another month together, and one of the things I had written was “One year and one month today, but I am just as excited being with you as if it were our first date”. That was so cool, because I didn’t know that he was going to re-create that moment. So we kinda ate a little and began looking through our photo books of things we had done together throughout the year. He said “I have a gift for you” and handed me this beautiful treasure box as the sun was setting over the water. I was holding it in my hands and he said, “Jill, you have treasured my heart for so long, I treasure everything about you, who you are, and our relationship together…” (I was trying my best to hang on every word and remember, but I was so happy and wonderfully overwhelmed!) I slowly opened the treasure box and inside was a smaller box. I was trembling all over, and he gently took the box and said “Jill, I want to ask you if you would be my wife, and if we could have a family, and if I can treasure your heart forever…” I hugged him with tears in my eyes and he took my hands and got on one knee and continued “…Jill Marie Heckard will you marry me and be my wife?” Of course I said yes, and then he slipped the most beautiful, breath taking ring on my finger. I believe I could’ve flown at that moment. We just sat and watched the sun set. I was so excited I just wanted to shout it out, so at the count of 3 we shouted “WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!!!” And there were some fisher men across the lake and some people passing by on a boat, and they cheered and clapped for us. That’s not the end of the story…he told me he had a confession to make. A week and a half before he had gone on a business trip. He said, “ You know my trip to California….well I went, but was only there for three days.” He then pulled out his phone to show me pictures of him with my Mom and Dad, and different places in SC. He had flown from coast to coast to ask them for their blessing! (I know, he’s incredible!) He then played back on his phone a message Mom and Dad had recorded for me. It was so sweet. The whole night was amazing and completely wonderful. I could’ve flown (I think I said that already!) The next morning I went into the church office (and didn’t get any work done, lol) I was telling everyone the wonderful news, and then again to my surprise, Mom and Dad had flown in to celebrate with us! How awesome! I’ve never been so happy in my life! Dreams really do come true. Sam is my first love, never has my heart been broken. I made a decision to wait for the One that God had for me. Waiting on His best for me has made all the difference. For those of you who don’t know Sam, I can’t wait for you to meet him! He’s my best friend and my love.