Obviously, the past few months have been so difficult and while we have been taking time off and planning a trip in a few weeks, I was a little shocked when Alex asked me if I could take last Monday and Tuesday off. His words, not mine, “We NEED to get away.” Hardly one to say no that, I wistfully took the time off. But where were we going?
When I asked our plans, with a little, “heh heh” under his breath, he said to pack clothes to hike in and dresses to go out in. Hmmm.
We left on Sunday morning for a drive that seemed like we were heading north up the coast. When we turned onto the pike that read, “Yosemite,” I thought we were heading for a camp ground and got really quiet.
Sometime I will write about my last camping experience, but let's just say it is NOT my idea of 'getting away.' More about that another day...but for at least a ½ hour, I was dismally quiet as Alex kept giggling and saying, “Aw...what's wrong??”
Then as we headed up through the mountain passes, I started thinking out loud...”Is this where you are going to throw my body after you kill me?? I mean, really, no one would EVER find me here if you threw me to nature.”
More laughter.
The we started to see mountains and gasp – water falls that just rushed out of the mountains. I started going picture crazy when Alex reminded me there was a lot more to see...
After being in awe of my surroundings, we arrived at our destination and I started to really cry – in happiness.
The Ahwahnee (website words, not mine):
The Ahwahnee shines as Yosemite National Park’s distinctive Four-Diamond hotel. Known for its magnificent façade, and architecture, The Ahwahnee was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, featuring Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point. The destination of queens and presidents alike, The Ahwahnee offers a perfect balance of history, hospitality and elegance.
Kids, this place was more than I could have ever bargained for as a little “getaway.”
We dropped our bags off as our room wasn't ready and started wandering around the grounds. Everywhere we walked, there was something new to be in awe over – mountains surrounded us whist within each mountain there were more waterfalls. Streams were nearby and redwood trees that looked like they reached heaven.
After having nature moments for a ½ hour, we sauntered into the Ahwahnee bar. We each had a glass of the Ahwahnee wine, when I decided to brave it and go for a real cocktail: the El Capatini:
El Capitini – The First Ascent (Classic Size Only)
Absolut Vodka, Cointreau & Pomegranate - “Topped Off” with celebratory Champagne, Sugar Rim & Orange Twist Climber’s Knot This drink “ROCKS”. Created by our bar staff to commemorate the first ascent of El Capitan fifty years ago in November 1958. The climbing party included Wayne Merry, the founder of the Yosemite Mountaineering School. Served with a keepsake carabineer.
Dudes, this drink was NOT for the wusses. A few sips of this and I was a whirling dervish. I was sucking in the great outdoors and all her beautiful natural landscape, laughing with my man and deciding that even I should not continue drinking this...and then Alex said, “our room is probably ready, let's head back to get ready for dinner.”
We headed back and walked down a little woodsy path to our room, absorbing the beauty around us when suddenly, Alex turned to me, started to kneel down as he slid a ring on my finger and said, “Will you be my wife?”
Me: (choking up) YES YES, YES (tears!!) YES!!
The ring fit perfectly. Then the real crying started. Was I dreaming? I couldn't believe it!
Alex then said, “This ring was my mom's engagement ring...she gave it to me for you and only you. You will hear the whole story over dinner.”
It was as if all of these happy emotions, sentimental feelings and a vision of a lifetime had all wrapped themselves up in this little ring and I could not stop staring at it. And now the man who will be my husband was giving it to me.
The more I looked at the ring, the more it made me cry. Tears of joy. Tears of honor. I went to call my Dad – which was a feat in itself as there was little to know phone reception and I was crying like a banshee. As I was talking to him, I heard a familiar, “MAMA” and looked over to see Alex's sister C and one of her little guys sneaking into nearby cottage. She and her brood were going to surprise me for dinner!
That night at our beautiful dinner in the most amazing room in the lodge, C told me that her mother loved jewelry and over then years had gotten some crazy, brilliant pieces but her engagement ring (which W had gotten her in Italy almost 40 years ago next month) was her favorite piece and she'd given it to Alex for me.
I couldn't be happier -- on every level this life is pretty darn beautiful.
Here are some highlights of our beautiful place of engagement!
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