We met at a friend’s house over dinner and basketball, we “liked” each other over Cheesecake and Pasta, we fell in love over time and the struggle and now……
The Vacation
What I thought was a normal vacation turned out to be the most beautiful time of my life. We arrived in Chicago Thursday Oct. 18th at approximately 10:30 pm. The mood was calm yet exciting……we walked, we talked, we ate and experienced the magnificent sites of Chicago. The weekend started on a great note……Hollywood Diner; we discussed plans for the weekend over pancakes and sausage. While laughing and enjoying what was a well needed break, we drove through the Windy City amazed by all the beautiful people, buildings and just the feeling that time of year brings. After a long day of fun, pictures, and cool weather we take a break. Starbucks…more pictures while we sat over Hazelnut Coffee (me) and Hot Chocolate (him). Overwhelming love was definitely present in the quaint coffee shop. We gazed into each others eyes, he smiled I blushed we kissed and captured being in the moment. Not noticing anything or anyone around us we enjoyed each other and the love we share.
Time to change and meet friends for some Sushi and Sake…bright lights, a cool breeze, and excitement were in place. This is a city I had visited on numerous occasions but never in this facet. I was able to really sit back and absorb the city like never before.
The “Gallery”, The Mile and The Park
Time to wake up, setup, and head out…meeting up with one of my great friends for none other than my favorite food (breakfast) and some shopping in the city! It’s now Saturday morning we wake up to one another with smiles on our faces and a renewed spirit ready to face the day. I shower, get dressed and I am on my way. He claims to be setting up for the “Gallery” starting at 7pm Saturday night. He had other plans……my family arrives and he is anxious for everything to be in place. They discuss plans over and over and prepare for a “moment in time”. All the while I am oblivious to what’s going on in the loft and enjoying my friends, H&M and the Magnificent Mile! Time came to meet him at Navy Pier for more photo shoots and site seeing. I walk up to the most beautiful sight I have ever seen greeted by kisses and hopes that my day had been more than great so far. I tell him my wonderful story of the day up to that point and all the things I had accomplished in the city. We walk through the park outside of Navy Pier searching for the perfect picture spot. We sit, look away and back again and the shots are coming to catch every moment of it. He gazes more and I blush all the while thinking I have the best man that God has ever created.
The Boat Ride
Time to get on the boat to tour the city and get all the facts on Chicago architecture. He goes ahead to stand in line and discuss details with the conductor while I continue to pose for the camera. Finally, we board the boat and straight to the front we sat. I was in total amazement by what I was seeing and enjoying the cool breeze after a long day of walking in warmer Chicago weather. Up until that perfect moment the sixty minute boat ride seemed to go all too quickly. We switch seats with our photographer to get “the city” in the backdrop. Coming up on the Michigan Avenue Bridge; he gets up to sit across from me. While holding my hands and giving me the most intense and beautiful stare I get chills run through my entire body. “Look at Michigan Avenue” a friendly voice said to me. Looking toward the city and away from the bridge I noticed nothing; “NO look at the bridge at Michigan Avenue” said this wonderful friendly voice trying to keep me from turning back to my love…
A Moment I will Never Forget – October 20th, 2007
I turn to look at the bridge and a beautiful banner hangs along the front of the bridge saying “Marry Me”. Not only has he gone through outstanding heights for this moment; there on the bridge I also see that my family (all) are there holding up the banner with tears, cheers and excitement. A loss of breathe; heart pounding, overwhelming sensation and tears all begin to flow. I turn back to the most handsome and genuine being ever created and there he is on one knee with a burgundy box with the most beautiful representation of his love for me. “I love you…will you Marry Me” he says to me while tears and amazement continue to flow out of me. I shake my head yes unable to speak and finally the words come out……YES!!!
After
I continue to cry to this day after experiencing the most beautiful moment ever set in time. I can’t believe someone could love me and want so much for me that he would go to such great lengths to make that day happen. If ever I doubted the love of God or that he is real, now I have no doubt that he died for me and made this man just for me. Derrick Vashawn Haynes you are unbelievable, indescribable, and never cease to amaze me. I am just so happy and fortunate that I am the one you chose.
Love,
Tiffany Michelle Forbers
10/24/2007