When Mike and I first started to spend time together, we talked about what life would maybe look like in the future. He mentioned maybe like 40 years from now? 
I told him that is ABSOLUTE BS to bow out of here 40 years from now and that I was requiring 50 years!!
We would stay up really late at night and recall the day that just passed and the time spent together. We would ask each other 50 year questions that sounded like this…
“Do you think you could handle me rubbing your back like this for 50 years?”
“Do you think you can keep rubbing my back for 50 years?”
“If we laughed like we did today, do you think we could make that kind of laughter last for 50 years?”
“Will you always help me with my leg, even if I have to wear this stupid boot for 50 years?”
“Will you be this kind to me for 50 years?”
“Do you think it is possible to maintain this sweet, sincere and innocent connection we have for 50 years?”
“Will you want to talk to me and share stories for 50 years?”
“Will you be able to manage me and the way I am inside of the world for 50 years?”
“Can you handle being in tight and close connection with my family for 50 years?”
“Will you want to go on adventures and make that last for 50 years?”
“Will you always kiss and hug me like you do right now? Do you think that can last for 50 years?”
“Will you be able to laugh at my jokes for 50 years?”
“Will you stay this supportive in and around my life for 50 years?”
“Do you think you can manage me helping in your life for 50 years?”
The 50 years questions go on and on and on, even to this day. It is silly things and serious things and everything in between.
But to each and every one of those questions and so many more we both answer “YES!!!!!”
Last night, at my family’s old orchard setting turned Peabody Ice Climbing central, in front of 150 people, many family members and apparently they were all in on it unbeknownst to me, he stole the microphone he asked me to marry him.
“YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” was my answer.
…and so the story begins.
I am in tears and at a complete loss of words on how to really share this story at this point and all that has gone on since Mike and I met. I have rarely mentioned a man during any of my writings over the years because it just wasn’t quite right.
This is different.
This is right.
Here’s to 50 years!!!