2 years ago, almost to this day, I had plans to hang out with Ben. He called to tell me he'd be a little late, because be was going to sneak a quick coffee date in with someone he had met. He insisted it would be quick. 4 hour later, Ben called to tell me he was finishing up with her. haha. It was their FIRST meeting, and it went better than he had planned it would! About 4 weeks after that, Ben and I left Boise, to travel to Europe. It was a special time for him and I in Paris, because Elise had studied abroad for a semester in Paris. Ben and I talked about her the whole trip. I had never seen Ben so excited. They had only known each other for a very short time.
On that trip, Ben and I visited a very famous bridge in Paris, called Lovers Bridge. It was said that lovers traveled from ALL over the world to visit the bridge. Lovers brought, or bought a lock, and locked it on the chain link railing of the bridge. They then threw the key over the bridge into the river. It is said, that lovers that do this, will love forever, with a love so strong, nothing can break it.
Here is a very neat link that shows the bridge and the locks, please look at it. Just click the link below to see the bridge where Ben proposed.
http://www.parischerie.com/4384/lovers-bridge-over-the-seine-river/
While Ben and I stood on that bridge, we leaned over the railing, and rested our arms, and began to talk. Ben looked at me and said, "Adam, I know Elise and I just met, and its only been a month, but I am going to bring her back to this bridge someday, and I am going to ask her to marry me." This conversation was in November of 2011. I looked at Ben, and I told him 3 very important things have to happen, for THAT to happen.
1) Elise has to fall in love with you. (She Did)
2) You actually have to bring her to Paris. (He Did)
3) She has to agree to marry you. hahaha. (SHE DID!!!)
Over the last two years, I have had a front row seat, to the relationship of Ben and Elise. And over and over, I have thought about what Ben said, 2 years ago, about taking her to Paris to propose. In one of the greatest love stories, I have ever got to witness, Ben and Elise just returned from Paris, where he DID propose to her, and she DID accept! I couldn't be happier, to be a part of this love story, and a part of the wedding next year. These are two of the most incredible people I have ever been around, and spending time with them, is something that has been, and will continue to be so special and dear to me. Congrats Ben and Elise, I love you Both very much!
I look forward to watching these two, continue to grow and learn together while they love each other, and share their love with all those around them.
Love stories are real. They're not just a fairytale that you read about, or dream about. We ALL have a past. We ALL dream of a "certain" kind of future. I think when you stop chasing love, stop living with expectations of perfection, well....it's then, that you find yourself in the "PERFECT" situation. There is no greater teacher, than two happy people in love.
Its been an incredible ride so far Ben and Elise, and I look forward to many many more years!
In the beginning, after ALL of their dates, Ben would call me on his way home, after he dropped her off. He would recap his night with her, and tell me what an amazing time he had. I loved those calls... It was not only exciting for him, it was also exciting for me. Witnessing true love and happiness is one of the most honest and humbling encounters we can have here on earth. I felt privileged to be a part of those calls... I felt proud to know a man that was doing it the right way. Ben and I met up, briefly, the day before he left for Paris with Elise. I remember hugging him, looking him in the eyes, and telling him "You did it. You're doing exactly what you said you were going to do." I told him how proud of him I was. I admire Elise for the love and support she gives Ben. I admire her for her passion, her compassion, and her affection to Ben, and only Ben. But most of all, I will always admire her patience, to be able to put up with Ben.... hahaha :)
From almost the VERY VERY beginning, Ben knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that he wanted to marry Elise, and spend his life with her. He not only stated it, very early on, but told me EXACTLY how he would do it, while him and I were in Paris. He did it...
THIS is exciting. LOVE is exciting. I cannot wait for the next chapter.... :)
