New Years was the most wonderful day of my
life. The events that unfolded have made me the happiest person on the earth.
But before I get ahead of myself, I’ll rewind to Friday, December 30th. After a
morning shopping trip to the mall, the Chumley girls decided on
the Cheesecake Factory for lunch. While waiting for our table I
saw my brother and brother-in-law walk in. I was a little confused because they
were supposed to be back in Sequim two hours away.
And
then I saw him, the man I absolutely adore.
Christopher
Ivie walked in the doors and my jaw fell through the floor. I immediately ran
and gave him a huge hug. I kept asking,
“Why are you here? Did you fly here?
What’s going on? I can’t believe you’re here!”
I was in shock. I was so excited
to see him that I was literally shaking. Chris flew up to Washington to
surprise me while I was thinking I wasn’t going to see him until April. Thank
goodness April came early. Nothing could have removed the giant smile from my
face. I was so happy…SO happy. Chris and I ordered Benjamin Button style and started out with a delicious slice of Oreo cheesecake. Even an hour later I still
couldn’t believe that Chris flew to Washington to see me.
After
lunch Chris and I went ice-skating in Bellevue (for the record I never fell)
and we later had some yummy hot chocolate to medicate our frozen hands. After
warming up we went bowling at my childhood bowling alley. Chris was awesome.
His high score was 167 and got five strikes in a row. I on the other hand got a
high score of 80…out of four games. Even though I lack skills in the bowling
department, it was still a blast. When we got back home Chris and I walked in
to my family playing games and my sister on the floor laughing like an insane
woman. I thought for sure Chris was going to leave in the middle of the night
to escape my psychotic family. But to my surprise, I found him watching the
golden sunrise the next morning. Chris and I woke my family up to the smell of
chocolate pancakes and eggs. I loved watching him interact with my family,
especially with my little nephew. Later I drove Chris around showing him some
of the pretty sites of Sequim. We went to the Dungeness Spit, Bell Hill, Happy
Valley, and walked around the John Wayne Marina. Back home we played with Ethan
who wore us out by making Chris run down the “tunnel” and having me chase after
them. It was a workout. In the afternoon we played football with the
family, which was loads of fun. My team didn’t do so hot, but Chris was a
superstar and led his team to victory. He got his jeans all dirty and had to
borrow my brother’s pants, which was hilarious because my brother is
extraordinarily tall and super skinny. For New Years the two of us drove over
to the eastside to watch fireworks off the Space Needle. After a quick stop at
my best friend’s house and a pro parallel parking job, we made it to the
Seattle Center where we walked around and took in Seattle’s magical scene.
I still couldn’t get over the fact that Chris
came to see me. It was then I knew I loved him. No one has ever made me feel like
I was truly worth something.
Eventually the countdown to midnight came. We
stood right by the International Fountain surrounded by lighted trees with a
perfect view of the Space Needle.
10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…Happy New Year!!!
Fireworks
illuminated the sky in celebration of 2012. It was nothing short of enchanting.
Being wrapped up in the arms of the man I adore made it absolutely perfect. As
the fireworks faded into the night, Chris turned to me and told me he loved me.
I was so overwhelmed with happiness in the moment that it took me a second to
tell him that I loved him too. The fireworks in the sky weren’t the only
fireworks going off that night. I was still wrapped tight in his arms when he
looked down into my eyes and asked,
“Rachel…(kiss)…Elizabeth…(kiss)…Chumley…(kiss)…will
you marry me?”
HAPPINESS.
Elation, euphoria, joy, delight, excitement, bliss, rapture, jubilation…these
words don’t even begin to describe the feelings that overwhelmed me when I
replied with a
“Yes…yes!
YES! YES! YES!!!”
It
was like the whole world stood still. Everything disappeared. The crowds, the
noise, the cold. All I could see was the most incredible man in the world. No words
can describe the happiness we both felt and are still feeling. It was the best
night of my life. Nothing has ever felt more real, more right, or more perfect.
New
years day was spent announcing to our families of our engagement. The proposal
came as a surprise to everyone, including me. My brother was probably the most
surprised. It took him a minute to process it and then he exclaimed,
“Wait
a second, Chris proposed to Rachel in my pants?!”
Too
funny.
Later
I drove Chris to Port Williams to walk along the beach and enjoy the gorgeous
scenery. We talked about our future and how happy we are together. I feel like
I’m at home when I’m with him. Everything is just right.
The
next morning came with a goodbye I didn’t want to say. Our locations for the
next four months were over 2000 miles apart. I was going to Idaho for school
and he was heading back home until he left for Hawaii. After I got to Idaho I
immediately knew I wasn’t supposed to be there. It didn’t feel right and
nothing was working out. After a lot of prayer and pondering I realized I
needed to go back to school in Hawaii. Not only to continue my education, but
to also be closer to the man I love. Miracle after miracle occurred and it
turned out my request for discontinuance for BYU-Hawaii never processed, my
flight back to Hawaii was never cancelled, and I got the last housing
available. I hopped on a flight to Hawaii Sunday night. After the plane broke
into the white clouds and I saw my last glimpse of Washington, I felt a huge
confirmation that this was the right path.
I’m
finally building my wings.
This
is all meant to be. My life has so much more purpose now.
Chris
makes me want to be better, to aim higher, and live my life to the
fullest.
He
is wonderful and exceedingly handsome. He captivates me just like a firework
show.
I
love him. I love him so much and I can’t wait to start my life with him.
I’m the happiest, most blessed girl in the world.