The week before Frank’s Pass In Review Ceremony
(Graduation), I had many lessons and many tests. Do not assume, do not drink
too much, do not park on side streets, do not do this or that. Tuesday I went
to the dentist to get 2 cavities filled, and I am deathly afraid of the
Novocain needles. Wednesday I signed a lease for an apartment in Columbus for 6
months with my best friend, starting in January. Wednesday night, my 11 year
old Yellow Labrador, Buford, was put down because he was old and couldn’t move
anymore… That was difficult.
Wednesday
night I pack my bag for London and PIR. After I was finished weighing my big
suitcase half a dozen times, I loaded my car, and came back inside to bid my
dogs goodbye (I would see my family later that weekend). I couldn’t find
Buford. I asked Cole where he was. At any rate, I left the house looking like a
raccoon. I had eye makeup all over my face.
The
drive to Chicago was bearable. The wait the next morning was bearable. The
temperature in the big building was torture! I was in a lacy blue dress with a
white ribbon around my waist, accented with the blue and gold division ribbon
that I made a couple weeks ago.
After
waiting 2 hours, a few band songs, a march of flags, and a couple trips to the
bathroom, the big doors to the auditorium opened wide and the sun shone
through. Division 321 marched in to the beat of the strong drums sounding
throughout the hall. Once 321 and 322 passed, 323 came marching in, and I
spotted Frank within seconds. He looked perfect.
The
whole ceremony I just stared at him. I was in the 4th row of
bleachers, in the isle for a hasty escape. Some important people gave speeches,
sailors got awards, and Chief Ditimius prowled up and down the rows of his
division. After veterans stood up to be recognized, Frank spotted us. He stared
at me too. Careful not to crack a smile so Chief didn’t see. Although, near the
end, when officers started to evacuate the building, and liberty was about to
be called, I jolted my head around sharply in all directions to see what was
going on. I looked like a child waiting to open presents on Christmas morning.
Frank saw me react, and I saw him grin. I grinned back, and then he made a full
on smile, eyebrows raised. They called “Liberty”. I ran. He ran. It didn’t take
long to get to him.
We only
had 8 hours together that Friday. But with the help of his parents, and his
sister and fiancé, something special happened at a park. He popped out a
glorious diamond ring and asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes. I’ve
only ever wanted to be married to a military man, and it was even better that
is was Frank, the love of my life, my sun and stars, you know.
Looking
back on the proposal, I cannot help but laugh, as we were stalked mostly the
entire time by his mom, who was attempting to drop eaves and snap pictures from
across the water. I am blessed and glad we are loved so dearly by our families,
but I feel that an engagement is a private affair. The wedding is the social
part! We posed for classic purposal pictures to post on facebook, here, and to
show our extended family.
When we
left the park, I was walking by Bill and said “Hi Dad”. He gave me the “I am
going to kill you look”. And we both laughed.
The
rest of the day was great, we all hung out until it was time to leave for the
base again. Bill and I dropped Frank off around 6:30pm and went back to the
hotel after a disappointing visit at the Navy Exchange. I did not get to sleep
until 11:30 or so, due to repacking my big suitcase so everything fit and it
wasn’t over weight… I woke up at 3:25, frantic because I had overslept by 25
minutes. I made up for lost time, left my room at 3:30 (the scheduled departure
time) and still looked like a babe in a black dress, tan scarf and leather
boots. We didn’t leave the hotel until 3:45 though…
We
spotted Frank in a sea of white sailors and walked over to him. We worked our
way through security and found a restaurant to have a spot of breakfast.
Wolfgang Puck is not exactly fabulous. Saying goodbye was not super difficult
as I was extremely tired and just wanted to go to sleep more than anything. I
know we have a great future ahead, and can talk almost every day now. The hard
part is over.
I
am at my gate at Chicago O’Hare, waiting for my turn. This is the start of the
next page in my chapter of college. I am on my way to London England for 3 ½
months. And it looks like I have to start planning a wedding. Where do I get a
cask of wine? Or five. 
