I'm Engaged!

Saturday night was our night for celebrating the 234th birthday of the
United States Marine Corps. My sister and brother-in-law were in
attendance. I think they had fun. We'll all remember it forever,
that's for sure.

I had a surprise Saturday night.

I arranged for my boss get on stage and claim "it's a tradition here for
the Operations Officer to lead us with the first dance."

I pulled Niki's seat back, and asked her to join me. We walked to the
center of the ballroom and I retrieved the microphone. I wished a happy
birthday to all the Marines in attendance. They cheered back with their
grunts and calls of motivation. Then I turned to Niki and said...

"My heart wants for nothing else than to make you my wife."

Her eyes grew wide as I dropped to one knee and pulled out a diamond
ring from my pocket.

The Marines cheered, and I waited for the noise to subside before
saying...

"Niki, will you marry me?"

There were more cheers, and my hands trembled as I placed the ring on
her finger.

Then we danced. And smiled.

Life is too short not to act when you know it's right. Each day is too
precious not to dare to love, and to act on your instincts when the
opportunities present themselves. I acted, nervously but boldly. And I
plan to make her happy for the rest of her life.

Semper Fidelis means "Always Faithful."

'Ever will I be.