I will always...

Remember the 21st night of September.

The day began with me thinking of my Dad and being happy that it was an annual Earth, Wind and Fire celebration.  I was playing his song over and over again at work and so excited for what I thought was going to be a great dinner in the city and going out to celebrate a friend's great news.

What I did not know was that this dinner in the city with Tom was just the beginning of a weekend of wonderful surprises!

Tom and I went to Ayza in Midtown for dinner.  They are known for their wines and chocolate so after dinner we decided to taste three dessert wines and 6 truffles.  They were outstanding!

Then we headed to Hoboken to go to the bar to hear what our friend, Manny's, great news was.  I thought he got promoted and was prepared to wish him the best of luck in his new role when we got to the bar.  Tom called Manny when we got off the PATH to see if everyone was there and he said not yet and to take our time.  So Tom asked me if I wanted to go for a walk by the Hudson River.  I love to do that so I jumped at the chance!

We walked for a little and then stopped to look at the Freedom Towers being built and were talking about how it must have been for those who lived in Hoboken on that day to see what had occurred.  Then we continued with regular talking and then all of the sudden Tom said, "Ok, so I have a confession to make."  Now, usually when he starts off saying something like that, it usually means he bought something - like more things on eBay or Amazon.  So I was getting myself ready for something like "oh, how much did you spend?"

He continued on, "So when I told you last week that I went to Philadelphia for work, I didn't.  I went to go see someone."  I was in like shock, thinking to myself - we just had this wonderful dinner and he is telling me he went to go see someone!?!

Then he said, "Yeah, so I went to see your Mom and Patrick."  And in that moment, I knew exactly what he meant.  I think I screamed "Oh my God" about 5 times and he was on one knee with a ring box in hand, opened to display the most beautiful diamond engagement ring.  He said, "Okay, my knees are still hurting from our dodgeball game, is that a yes? And can I get up now?"

Of course it was a yes!  We walked a little further and went to the gazebo where Manny had left 21 roses and a bottle of champagne from Patrick with two glasses.

The night of celebration was just beginning as we called our families to tell them the wonderful news and then went to meet our friends at the bar who were waiting for us.  I was just on cloud 9 and could not believe all of the love and happiness around us.  We were met with balloons and champagne and a cake along with about 15 friends!  It was just the most exciting night!

 Then on Saturday, I had already planned to meet my Aunt Nancy and cousin, Colleen at Penn Station for lunch about a week ago.  I was so excited to tell them our wonderful news. We got to the restaurant and to our surprise, our Moms were there!  I thought I was going to have a heart attack!

We celebrated this amazing event with another champagne toast and delicious lunch! "How can I be so lucky?!" was all I kept thinking!


Then we headed to Long Island to wish Tom's cousin, Robbie, good luck as he is getting deployed next month and to share our good news with his side of the family.  This upcoming weekend, we will go to my house to see my family and potentially even look at some venues!

I cannot believe this happened - on my most favorite day of the year - and I am so happy that I will be spending the rest of my life with my best friend!

Thank you to everyone for all of your well wishes, smiles, love and support.  We are so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends!

Love,
The Soon-to-Be Mrs. Tom Gervasio (AH!!!)