Background:
I had been sick with strep throat the Friday before and missed one of my classes. Taylor and I were supposed to teach a lesson that day but it got pushed back to the 14th since I was sick. Well, my professor emailed me the Monday after I was sick and told me I had to stay an hour after class on the 14th to make up the day that I missed. "AN HOUR AFTER CLASS ON THE FRIDAY WE LEAVE FOR SPRING BREAK??" I was not at all happy about it. But it was all part of the plan.
As I mentioned previously, Taylor and I were teaching our lesson this day because it had been pushed back from the week before. So, Taylor told me the day before "I think I'm going to wear khakis tomorrow." Code for: you should probably dress more presentable than t-shirt and jeans. Thanks, Tay!
We went through the day like any Friday. We had class for 6 hours straight and we taught our lesson. I gave Taylor instructions on everything that needed to be done before we left to go home that day and he went home as I stayed to meet with our professor. About 45 minutes into talking about the 5 E's of inquiry lesson planning, my professor asked me to go to the bottom of the stairs to get his mom who was visiting for break. "She's about 5'8" and she'll probably look lost." So down the stairs I went. Waiting at the bottom of the stairs was my friend Randa. She had mentioned coming to tell me bye before she left for spring break, so I wasn't surprised to see her there. What surprised me was when she said "Come with me.." "Randa, I still have class. We aren't finished yet." "Just trust me. Come with me."
I walk outside to see two rocking chairs set up right in front of the education building, and Taylor standing there in between them. I turned back to my friend and said "I'm scared!!" I had always thought about this happening, but never imagined what would happen if it actually did! Taylor came to me and grabbed my hand, walking me towards the rocking chairs and sat me down.
I sit down and he tells me to close my eyes and breathe because he knows I can't. Then tells me to imagine. He reads me a story he wrote about our future lives together. Two people right out of college starting their lives together.. A few years, a few adventures, and hours spent rocking on the front porch later, a child comes along.. Then a child comes along not from their family (I've always wanted to adopt).. Years go by and the children are grown.. The only thing left to do is rock the days away in the rocking chairs. Will you join me in this story? Will you marry me?
YES!
I LOVE rocking chairs. I mentioned to Taylor a long time ago that I wanted to take pictures every year on my anniversary in the same rocking chairs to see how life progresses. So that is where the rocking chair idea came from. Kudos to Tay for remembering!! (-:
When we got back to Taylor's house, I was surprised (yet again) by both of our immediate families being there!! After a few minutes with our families, friends began showing up for a fiesta! Fajitas, rice, beans, and cookies! So thankful that we got to share this day with everyone! Thanks Taylor for making it a complete surprise, it could not have been more perfect!
**Special thanks to Nathan Havens and Katie Burleson for taking pictures of our special day. Y'all are the best!
Sarah
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