Oh, painting the majestic backdrop for the proposal scene....

Before I get to that, I wanted to give you a brief background of how this relationship came to be.  In January 2007, I had a session with a friend, who combines energy healing and massage.  During this session, I had a very powerful vision of a man with dark hair and a huge smile leaning on a car, and he said, "I've been waiting for you.  I love you and support you."  

I was caught a little off guard, but knew that this man would show up soon, and he did....two months later.

Our adventures began on March 28, 2007 as I was introduced to this man who was going to show me what true, authentic love looked like, felt like, tasted like.  I had no idea what was in store as this sort of love evaded me because I evaded it.  I had much to learn about myself through my marriage and through other men who showed up after my divorce as my teachers.  These men came so that I might experience the aspects of me that were not loving, the aspects that were scared.  I'm so appreciative of all of the men who came before because without them, I wouldn't have seen myself through the mirrors they were holding.

Carlos and I met on match.com and I finally understood all the relationships that had come before where everything seemed so hard, so difficult.  With Carlos, everything is easy, and laughter is our foundation.   Our relationship is like a stand up comedy routine, and silliness is embraced.  Remember, I had done a lot of healing work on myself, and now was opening up and allowing the ease of this relationship to flow through me.  And the first time we met, he said, "I've been waiting for you, and I support you."  The love part came later.  

No more swimming up stream.....

Fast forward to December 7, 2008 on the airplane from Seattle to Cancun.  Carlos took out a book from his bag and gave it to me, and said, "Here, I know you like to read and saw this book, When Love Walked In."  While I was reading, I paused and said, "You know we've been dating for almost two years and I'm so grateful for you.  I'm in awe of our relationship each day."  He then said, "Well, you haven't found it so I guess I'll show you as what you just said, I wrote down."  In the book he had hidden a love letter, and here's what it said:

"Dear Tami,

For almost two years now, I've observed a daily increase of wrinkles around my eyes and I must say you are to blame.  Anyone else would frown about this, but I wouldn't change a single one.

They are the signs of continuous laughter and of the hundreds of unexpected smiles you've caused me to have.  I wouldn't change a single one.

We came together at a time when we were both a bit down and at a time when we truly needed a buddy.  Someone we could share with, someone to cherish, someone to truly love and someone that would truly love right back.  I'm happy to call you my buddy.

We share the same values, have similar interests and have a deep commitment towards each other and at making things better for us everyday.  We don't need much, but we have a lot to offer.  We don't expect much, but we delight in the simple things.  So many things we have....I wouldn't change a single one.

I am extremely happy that you are in my life.  I love your humor, your silliness, your playfulness and the love you offer me.  I don't have words to express my appreciation for the love you give the kids (Carlos has cats)....thank you.

I am excited about our future together and despite the minor setbacks that keep us partially separated, I'm not worried.  We have and will continue to see it in a positive way.  Our time will come....soon.

Thank you, Tami, for being so wonderful.

I love you,

Carlos"

WOW!  This is who Carlos is!  Of course, I was bawling with emotions from the beauty that exists in these words.    

Now, to paint a funny picture....

On the plane, I had a middle seat with love, laughter and romance on one side.  On the other side is logic, analysis and hurting my brain....a man from Russia placed match sticks on my tray and wanted me to figure out the math problems he had so delicately placed in front of me.  Math hurts any day, but especially on vacation.  I mean, there were square root problems and "just move one match to have both sides equal each other."  Ouch!  I choose the love side !

We arrived in Cancun and woke up the next morning to take our place on the hot, sunny beach under a grass hut.  There is something about putting my toes in the sand that is electric for me, and this sand was like pudding....not grainy, just very smooth.  Thus, I was in my element.

The waves were a little rough, and hence, made it a little challenging to cool off in the ocean.  I kept leaving the comfort of the lounge chair to walk up the stairs to the pool and jump in the cool water.  Finally, I suggested to Carlos that we move to up to the pool so I could just walk two feet, rather than go up and down the stairs....okay, the little whiner in me that wanted to roll out of her chair into the pool.

Carlos said he was very comfortable and didn't want to leave his lounge chair on the beach. I agreed and kept up the routine of stairs, pool, stairs, pool.  Throughout our time on the beach, Carlos commented on the treasures....the little sea shells and collected some for me as mementos.  

Towards the end of the afternoon, I had just cooled off from the pool and was about to lay down on my lounge chair, and Carlos said, "Let's look for some more treasures.  Come help me."  I got up and began to pick up sea shell treasures.  When Carlos said, "Oh, my gosh, I think there's a big rock in the sand."  And I said, "That's very interesting."  And didn't pay too much attention as I was looking for more treasures.  Then I watched him pull a big bag out of the sand, and I said, "That's odd.  What is that?  I wonder what's in it?"

Of course, I was a little curious as you don't expect to find a bag buried in the sand.  Then in perfect Carlos style, he pulled a ring box out of the bag and got down on his knees and opened up the ring box and said, "Will you marry me?"

And let the bawling begin.....

I kneeled down beside him and hugged him for what seemed like an eternity, and was in shock of this entire experience.  That he would have planned this and wouldn't move from the designated hidden treasure spot.  He had buried it and was guarding it as he wanted this experience to be perfect.

And it was.....

Then a few minutes later, he said, "Now, would be a good time for your answer."  Through the tears, the emotions of appreciation, or gratitude, I had forgotten to give him the answer.

And the answer is.........YES!

Of course, I teased Carlos that he didn't move from that spot for two reasons:  1) to guard the ring treasure and 2) to embrace the other treasures on the beach—no not the sea shells, the women who chose to go topless.

As I told my great niece, Megan, magic occurs at any age...even 53, and she wrote back that I'm living proof of it.  

Carlos and I have not set a date yet, but will most likely be next summer with some sand and hot weather....and my large extended family and friends.    

And the theme at the reception...who nose....maybe clown noses!