A New Light On 9/11: My Engagement Story

Two years ago today, we boarded a plane to California. I was on edge, flying on 9/11. But I was also excited beyond belief, crossing my fingers that my now husband would propose to me on this trip.

Security was a breeze here. During our layover, it was quite the opposite story. We’d gone through and had started collecting our items when a man ran through security. The next words I hear are “NOBODY MOVE!” and I obey, flamingo pose and all with one shoe still in my hand. I asked a security lady nearby if I could put my shoe on, worried someone would shoot me. She told me not to move and walked away. That was the day that I learned if I concentrated really hard, I could stand on one foot for what felt like eternity.

We never did find out what happened and I’m okay with that.

The rest of the flight there was easy in comparison. We landed safe and sound and that night we settled in at a hotel in Santa Monica, minutes away from the beach. Tired and hungry, we went back and forth as to if we should go to sleep or walk down to the pier. By this time, I was convinced he wasn’t going to ask me that night. Disappointed and just glad to be there, I was content going to sleep.

He wasn’t going to have any of that.

We walked down to the Santa Monica Pier and took in the sights, the sounds, and the overall magical feeling around us. We went on the Ferris Wheel, me still fully under the impression that it wasn’t going to happen and struggling to find happiness because of it. Within moments of us stepping foot on the ride, he proposed and I’m pretty sure I never officially said yes. To be honest, I’m not sure he even technically asked. His speech wasn’t anything fabulous, but it was good enough to land me here, married a little less than two years later.

While it’s odd to tell people we got engaged on 9/11, it’s a beautiful thing to me. To be able to bring so much joy to a tragedy is a unique feeling. One that I will never forget. I will always remember this day and the people that lost their lives fighting for our country, but I will also remember this day as a day to cherish the people we love. The people that touch our lives in a way that leave an imprint in our heart for all eternity. The people that make this life such a beautiful one to be a part of. I will always remember this day as a day to cherish my husband who has given me a life that I could only dream about before we met.