The Good Life... a weblog about life, technology, and the Opera Web browser

It was about a month ago that Rebekah and I returned from Lynchburg for graduation at Lynchburg and Randolph-Macon Woman's Colleges (RMWC). It was a time to share in the joy of our friends and greet those we hadn't seen in so long. And for Rebekah and I, it was time to take another step on the path of life we walk together.

RMWC is a school of traditions and superstitions, as well as a fine educational institution. Nestled amongst the red brick buildings is an innocent gazebo-esque tower, part of the RMWC folklore. It's said that only fiancés or fiancées may safely enter, other entrants risking future engagement bliss. It just so happened that Rebekah and I were out walking that Saturday evening, following the sidewalks woven amongst the buildings and the red brick wall guarding the campus. Through the garden and past the library, we climbed the stairs next to the Engagement Tower.

That looks like a nice place to sit, I offered.

I can't go in there without a ring, she countered as she suddenly bounced up the stairs.

My fingers fiddled with the small gold circle in my left pocket as I reached the top of the stairs. I swept her left hand into my right as I sank to one knee before her. All the words I wanted to say hid out of my mind's grasp as I stammered for the words over five years in the making.

I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me? I smiled as the ring slid easily onto her finger. Her elated Yes came moments before she bounded into the Engagement Tower, now illuminated by the glow of her smile.

The pieces of our future life together continue to fall into place. This past week, I accepted a full-time position with Opera Software in Oslo, where Rebekah and I will move following our wedding in early September. Until then, we'll continue pulling the plans for our wedding together. Our future together has been a long time in the making. It's been a hard path to walk, but I wouldn't want things to be any different. I look forward to the months and years to come, confident about the joy and challenges awaiting us.