I love St. Patrick’s Day. I’m not Irish. I’ve never made corned beef and cabbage. And I’m not sure I’ve ever eaten it. Green is not my favorite color. I don’t believe in leprechauns. But just the same, March 17 is one of my favorite holidays – dating back to 1973.
Don was young – 23 years old, but I was younger – just 18. The Saturday afternoon sun was inviting, and we went for a walk. The end of the semester at BYU was approaching, and I was in a quandary about where to live the next year. Don was graduating, so he wasn’t bothered with those kind of details, but all of us in May Hall were discussing apartments and roommates and new living arrangements. Don listened as I rambled and ranted, wondering what to do about a place to live. Should I live in the dorm again? It was easy – no meals to prepare and no house to keep clean. Should I get an apartment? I wasn’t sure who I wanted to live with, but apartment contracts were going fast so I had to make a decision.
We walked as I talked, and although Don was very attentive to my disjointed conversation, he didn’t offer much in the way of advice. After a while we found ourselves at the football stadium and sat down on the curb at the edge of the parking lot. When I finally stopped to take a breath, in a very matter of fact manner, Don said, “Well, you could live with me next year.”
It took me a minute to process what I thought he had said, and then not wanting to appear too forward but still a little flirtatious (after all – this was 1973), I cautiously replied, “Are you asking me what I think you’re asking me?”
He confidently responded, “I’m asking you to marry me.”
A lot of squealing, laughing and jumping ensued. I think I eventually remembered to say yes.
things that make me happy 
Great post! I have never heard the entire story and I was fascinated by the Candle Passing Ceremony. We didn’t have that in Stover Hall! Such a young bride but look how great it has all turned out. Happy engagement day!
LikeLike
Oh my………..the memories! I can’t believe our parents let you get married so young! Don was quite the romantic wasn’t he? Almost as much so as Bruce, who casually handed me a ring box while we were sitting in his car and said, “here, hold this.” Actually, there’s a bit more to it than that, but this is your day for romantic memories! Congratulations!
LikeLike
I love this story. I’m so glad Don solved your indecisions and problems. Eighteen does sound young, but it must have been the right thing to say yes. I met a few girls, but you’re the only one he brought home. Parents get a little concerned when they think their son might be a student at BYU for the rest of his life. Evidently, he knew what he was looking for and was smart enough to take action when he found her. As a mother-in-law, I always felt you were a special blessing in my son’s life. I’m certain his dad felt the same way about your marriage. Now I will celebrate St Patrick’s day with more enthusiasm. I don’t care too much for corned beef and cabbage. When I taught school, the kids always pinched each other, if they weren’t wearing green.
LikeLike