My Version... Part 2

As we headed towards our destination, Liz guessed where we were heading- a trip to see The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre in London. It is my favourite show to go and see, and I was hoping that it would be just as special in the eyes of Elizabeth. The tickets we got were perfect, apart from a foreign family who sat behind us chatting during a large proportion of the opening act! But this was my night with my Liz; it wasn’t going to ruin it for me. The seats made us feel like we were part of the show, with a huge elephant, hyenas, and birds flocking past us.

After the great production we headed in the direction of Trafalgar Square, which in the evening looks very beautiful and this night was fairly secluded. As we walked around, I would stop and tell Elizabeth that I loved her very much and that she means the world to me. Despite the facet we had recently been talking and praying about marriage, and it was obvious to both of us that the time was nearing when we no longer used “if’s” about our future together- these were not intended to be “fake proposals”, although looking back I can see where these assumptions may have come from. So when I blunted stated “let’s go home now” the reaction of disappointment and annoyance that Liz showed was not immediately detected.

When the time had come for us to part ways for the evening, something was clearly wrong when Liz said she wouldn’t let me know when she was home because “her phone was already off”.

The following day had many opportunities to mess with my grand plan. The weather would not decide if it would rain, or be dry, sunny, or cloudy- contingency plans were needed in abundance.

I had arranged for one of our close friends to meet Liz for a “walk” around a lovely lake called Little Britain that is very picturesque and quiet during the days. Now, if it had rained, I had arranged for a friend to come and pick me up in his car (I couldn’t drive as my sling was still being worn) and for us to pick up a gazebo (kind of a tent without any sides). If it had rained, it would have been down to a newly engaged Liz to put away for me. I also briefed Louise to be stubborn about going for a walk, no matter what the weather.

I had text Liz numerous times during the morning, suggesting we should meet for lunch, but to no avail. No response from Liz meant she was still mad at me. Perfect. She had no idea about the impending question.

I arrived at the lake about half an hour before Liz’s due arrival time (although I assumed it would be more like 45 minutes, given Liz’s usual timing!), wearing my best suit and shirt, and set up a lovely picnic including candle, champagne and strawberries and pomegranate juice- her favourite! With my bible in tow, I set about reading Proverbs 31 and prayed.

(This is the view of where I proposed)

Liz arrived on time, and I had taken up my hiding place behind a set of trees beside the car park and waited a few minutes. Nothing. I received and text from Liz stating that yes, we could meet up for lunch when she’s done. I came out form my hiding place and went over to Liz’s car to open it for her. All she could say was “You’re ridiculous”. With a great deal of satisfaction- knowing that she never ever suspected this to happen- I lead her over to the picnic and stuttered through how great Liz is and how much I love her, for getting key words along the way which Liz had to say instead! I got down on one knee (creating a huge wet patch on my best suit trousers) and asked Liz to marry me!! With a great deal of embarrassment, she asked me to stand, accepted and gave me a hug- we were there for quite a while, laughing, and Liz was crying. Liz. Crying. To those who know her- this just doesn’t happen!

So, that’s my version! I am now the happiest man in the world. I get to marry a woman of God who is so perfect for me in every way. I get to spend the rest of my life with Elizabeth soon-to-be Brown!

My Version... Part 1

Those of you who read this will probably have already read my beloved Elizabeth's blog- this is my version. As a man, our stories always start far before women's versions of things. This is how it unraveled...

Back in the early hours of the 5th May 2008, I made the choice to call Mr Watkins and ask for his daughters hand in marriage- quite possibly the scariest phone call I've ever had to make. He was great about it and accepted. The first hurdle had been jumped. This phone call was made at about 2 in the morning and I was so excited that I didn't go to be until 4am... then was awake for a further hour. I knew that I was going to ask the one that I love to be my wife! The previous week I had ordered the ring that Liz and I had chosen together- everything was ready to go, whenever I chose.

Plans were put in place- now was the challenge of surprise. I announced to Liz that in the next week or so we'd be going on a special date- a rarity for our usual spontaneous/ laid back times we spend together. I took that week to fast and pray about the choice I'd made and got great confirmation from Him.

Collecting the ring turned out, thanks to my love, to be a nightmare! I had arranged with a co-worker and great friend from Church to take me into town to collect the ring on the lunch time of Monday 12th May. This was the exact time that Liz decided she wanted to go into town to do some shopping with her friend Anna. I was so mad that my unemployed girlfriend, who could go into town at any chosen time, chose the exact time that I needed her not to be there! A big bag from a jewelery shop is kind of a give away, so with great beads of sweat pouring down my face I headed towards the special shop for a special occasion. After what seemed like an age to complete the transaction I had the ring. It doesn't end there though! That evening Liz's Track Practice finished early and Liz asked to go straight to mine. Because I couldn't think up a good enough lie, I was forced to accept! So the race was on, I finished work at 5.30, she finished Track at 5.30! The same co-worker had agreed to rush me home- only to see her car parked as we came up my street. "No problem" I thought "I can sneak round the back and hide the bag in the garden for a bit!" No such luck. Liz had seen me coming and, most unusually, had opened the door for me before I got there, prompting me to sprint straight upstairs and hide the ring in my room! Nightmare.

In the days leading up to our Big Date, I dropped tiny hints at what we might be doing- being very careful not to lie about anything on the Thursday- carefully worded texts and emails were the order of the day.

On the day, Liz took me to the hospital for a shoulder check up, and I had written carefully worded instructions on a parchment of paper that detailed what kind of things we would be doing that evening without giving away the whole thing. The afternoon was booked off (unbeknown to Liz) which was a chance for me to calm my nerves, pray and get my look on. At 5.15 I picked Liz up, we went into London and got excited about where we were about to go! Disaster nearly struck when the train announcer told us that there were major delays. My major concern at that point was not missing our reservations, but the amount I needed to wee and the potential for a wet pair of jeans. When we reached our chosen destination (having properly disposed of our Starbucks cups) I had the most satisfying wee ever known to man, and felt a whole lot more relaxed!

The fun was just about to start...

The Bathroom Upstairs...

As in the case with all boys trying to me men, men acting like boys and actual boys, topic of conversation can always find a way to the fountain of relief- the toilet. I have succumbed, right here, right now.

I have taken to, at work, using the upstairs toilet. A much safer haven than the dingy downstairs debacle of a throne. Being slinged up means everything generally takes twice as long, as well as having countless embarrassing opportunities presenting themselves while I try and relieve myself one handedly. Why risk it? Why leave myself vulnerable to attack? The safe sanctuary of the Director's bathroom (for any American readers) give freedom to relax, peace to use my phone, and time to contemplate the deeper meanings and complex issues that hit me head on daily.

Sorry if this post is particularly uncouth, I just love that picture!