I always have been keenly aware of how the small decisions I make on an everyday basis can change my life. There is no single small decision that has so greatly affected me then when my good friend, Kenny, asked me to go on a blind date. A simple yes or no question- how can this be the one question that will forever change my life?
I was in a particular good mood that day and agreed to go. Knowing the kind of person Kenny is, I decided to trust him. I was hoping for the best but in reality you never know what is going to occur. There are really three outcomes of a blind date:
1) You have nothing in common and the date fizzles out. You walk away never to see the other person again through no fault of your own. The two people are just not compatible.
2) A complete train wreck. Say goodbye to the pleasantries and say hello to the check before the dinner comes.
3) You meet the girl of your dreams, fall in love, get married, have a family, live a long and healthy, fulfilled life (A guy can dream, cant he?).
I would be lying to all of you if I didn’t say my most desirable outcomes were #2 or #3. The first and most likely scenario is boring - at least #2 gives me a good story to tell.
But you all know how the story ends. There is a reason you are reading this right now. I walked into that Millers Ale House a single man and I walked out never wanting to call myself that ever again.
-Kevin
“Keep on reeling Christie, you got it” I shouted to Christie as her rod was bent over battling a monster pickerel.
After dodging rain showers all week while we vacationed on Keen Lake in the Pocono Mountains, Christie had her first fish on. No help from me, she did it all on her own. As she reeled the fish in, I was so proud to know that not only did Christie seem to be enjoying herself, but she really took what I taught her to heart. She was a pro, battling the fish between the lily pads as the pickerel kept on peeling drag off the reel. Finally, after what seemed like hours (ok – maybe about 2 minutes), Christie beached this monster of Keen Lake. She was smiling ear to ear, as was I. This moment meant more to me then I think she realized (until now – hi Christie!!!). I was able to share one of my passions with Christie. She took interest in something I loved. Listening to me drone endlessly about what lure to use, what cadence to use when reeling, tide, wind, weather – anything and everything related to fishing. I know Christie is not THAT interested in fishing, but she saw the passion in my eyes and was always happy to let me talk on and on and on.
Now – the picture above is one of my favorites I have of Christie. She loved catching the fish, but holding it was another story.
I was staring at Lake Ostego, casting my fishing pole out without much care. I had a more important moment coming up, but I had to play it cool. The last few months of planning and clandestinely running errands came down to this moment. I was about to ask Christie to marry me.
It was all falling into place. I had the camera recording (unbeknownst to Christie). The champagne and glasses in the cooler still remained hidden. It was time.
I asked Christie to go into my tackle box and look for a Hogy Epoxy Jig. The jig did exist, but I removed it from the package a few weeks prior and replaced it with a lure of my own design. A heart shaped lure that read - 'Christie, my greatest catch, marry me?'.
I began to walk over, knowing she was seconds away from finding the lure and reading the inscription. As she shuffled through the box, my heart began to race. This was it. Christie's jaw dropped as I heard the words that I will never forget 'Kevin, are you serious?!?'.
I got on one knee and asked her to marry me, the happiest moment of my life.