Pass In Review

                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 4^th 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.