Our Story
My first memory of Chad
The beginning...
Once upon an October afternoon, Chad arrived on post here in Germany. I was on my way out somewhere, heading out of my barracks room to my car which was parked out front of the barracks building. I was introduced to Chad by the guy driving him around and moving him into his room (his name was also Chad). I don't remember a specific feeling I had when meeting him other than being happy to meet a new member of the band. I'm so happy that Chad ended up in Germany, in the same unit as me, and so glad that we met that day. I wouldn't have ever guessed back then that we'd be where we are now, but I sure am grateful we're here.
Asking me...
Chad took me out one evening to a nice restaurant along the Neckar river in downtown Heidelberg. I had no idea he was planning anything special. After we ordered, he reached across the table, holding my hands in his, and asked me to be his girlfriend. I said yes, of course, and was so touched by the old fashioned feel to his asking. It was one of the sweetest and most romantic moments of my life.
The proposal
Christmas morning, in Norman, Oklahoma, brought with it a special gift! It started with all of us-Chad's parents, sister and her husband, and Chad and I-gathering in the living room to open presents...but first there was the Doswell family tradition of finding the pickle ornament in the Christmas tree. The person who finds the pickle would get $20. So, we started looking. Chad's dad had started the video camera...and what I didn't know is that everyone but me knew what was really going on. Chad's mom and sister were telling me, "Cold...no, warm, warmer, HOT, nope-Cold again..."
Evidently I kept looking right at the "special ornament", but was so focused on the pickle I was oblivious to the box in front of my eyes. Finally, Chad took my hand and placed it in the area of the box. At this point I realized the special ornament was a burgandy colored jewelry box! Chad got down on one knee, placed the ring on my finger and asked me to marry him.
Christmas 2007 is one we'll always remember.
