We've Only Just Begun

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other,
but in looking outward, together, in the same direction.
-antoine de saint-exupéry Wind, Sand and Stars, 1939

The past days were a whirl of events filled with emotions I never imagined I would feel all at the same time. I tried to blog about my recent escapades, but life got in the way. But now that things have slowed down a bit, let me share them with you.

June 23, 2005 Thursday

Vince's parents, brother Bernie, niece Wei arrived from California to celebrate Vince's graduation with us. Our first night together was shared over Persian food at Reza's. The conversation with Bernie about cookbooks and gourmet foods was interesting. After dinner, we had coffee at the local Starbucks, then off we drove to the Museum Campus to show them where the graduation would be held the next day. The night was warm and mosquitoes were feasting on us, so we decided to take them back to their hotel.

June 24, 2005 Friday

Vince and I woke up early to show the family Rush Medical Center where Vince works. Then we met up with Brian, Vince's friend for lunch. After lunch, we walked back to Vince's apartment, rested for a little bit, then walked to Bobtails for ice cream and milkshakes. I left early to get a haircut, and Vince took his family back to their hotel to get ready for graduation.

The cab-ride to Adler Planetarium where the graduation was held was quicker than we expected. We arrived so early that we were the first ones to be there. We waited outside the planetarium for some more people to show up. When finally all the other guests have arrived, we made our way to the planetarium. It was fun seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones. I finally had the chance to meet Dr. S, one of Vince's mentors. The Adler was decorated appropriately for the occasion. Huge glass windows on one side of the planetarium provided a view of Chicago skyline. It was a beautiful sight.

While waiting for the ceremony to start, Vince asked me to go down by the lakefront to get some air and take in the view. I refused at first saying that I didn't want to his family to look for us and feel left out. And besides, my feet were killing me with the 3 inches heels I was wearing. ( I need heels; Vince is 5'10" and I am, uhmmm...nevermind.) But he was able to convince me. So we were walking by the lakefront, the wind blowing on my hair and on my dress. Vince was thanking me for being with him during his residency and providing him with the support that he needed. When all of a sudden I found Vince on his knee. At first I thought he was tying on his shoelaces. But I realized that he didn't have shoelaces on. It occurred to me what was happening, and I just blurted out, "what are you doing?" Talk about ruining the moment. Panic rushed over me. A million thoughts flooded my mind. "What is he doing, and what am I doing? Is this what I think it is? Why today? What am I going to do? Oh, wait, he has a ring. Is that a ring? Oh my parents would have been so happy. My brother. Did Vince ask my brother ahead of time? Oh no, his parents, does his family know? A wedding in San Diego. Next summer. Oh no, I only have a year to plan. Dang, these shoes are killing me." I took a deep breath, and tried to compose myself, and joke, "hmmm, let me think." Then of course I asked him to get up and gave him a big hug.

At first I was upset at him for asking me on his graduation day. I didn't want to take away the attention from his and his parents' accomplishment. But he wanted to share that day with me, and now that day will forever be etched in my memory.

Five years... and we're just beginning. We have come so far. The long distance relationship and the challenge of leaving home to be closer to him have made me grow and mature not only in my relationship with him but also with my family and with God. And now we have promised to spend the rest of our lives together, to face the future not alone but together.