I have no idea how this happened. Just yesterday, my kids were little. Yet, today...somehow, I have three full grown adult children (each in a different state, with an ocean separating us from one of them) and two more growing up, very rapidly, behind them.
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| Before my youngest was even born. |
This weekend my only daughter, and best friend, got engaged. It's a very surreal feeling when you see a "grown up" beautiful diamond ring on the finger of your precious baby girl. On one hand, it seems so foreign. How can she possibly know what she wants for the rest of her life, at such a young age? On the other, I know her. I have known almost since the moment she was born, that she is way beyond her years. If you've ever heard the term "old soul", that's exactly what she is. It was a struggle at times for her growing up, because she preferred adults to kids her own age. Her eyes are filled with a wisdom and knowledge that most 40 year olds don't possess. I always say she's been "older" than me for a very long time. This is why we are best friends. She has never really been a "child". Ask anyone who has known her since she was little and they will absolutely agree. So it only stands to reason that at not quite 19 years old, she would not only know who she wants to marry, but have a plan for the next few years leading up to that marriage.
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| 1997 |
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| 2011 |
Enter, the new Fiancee'. (wow, that sounds weird) We love him. He is the perfect match to my daughter. They compliment each other beautifully. He is completely in love with and devoted to her in every way, and anyone who sees them together will agree. He treats her with the respect that any parent prays for their child to receive. He is also wise beyond his years and knows she is exactly who he wants to spend his life with. Before getting down on one knee, he did what generations of men before him have done. He was nervous as Hell, but like any true southern boy knows, there is only one way to put a ring on a girl's finger. By asking her Daddy's permission. Once that was granted, he presented her with his Great Grandma's ring. Nothing could have been more perfect for my daughter, who values family above ALL else.
I am so impressed by the way that they are handling this. They are young but not stupid. They realize that this is not something to be taken lightly or rushed into. They want to be taken seriously and not end up like most of the other couples out there that rush off and get married without a thought of what happens after they say "I do". They recognize the importance of a college degree. They understand that once they are joined together in the eyes of the law, they have to somehow support themselves and begin building the life that they want to live. (Not to mention the fact that they would like to enjoy their first toast as Man and Wife with Champagne, rather than sparkling cider.) Therefore, this will be a several year engagement. This will give them the time to plan their lives as well as get to know each other that much better. They don't have an easy road ahead of them for the next few years and the odds are, sadly, not with them. My hope is that they beat the odds and go on to live a very full and happy life together. And give me Grandbabies to spoil!!!!
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The Happy Couple
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