When did you know?

Since the big yes I've been asked this question a few times. My glib retort is usually, "Do you ever really KNOW?"

We began discussing a future that included marriage at some point during our pandemic shut-in. The conversations were dark and serious in tone: What do you want done with your body? Who should I call first? Do I even have those phone numbers? (cue Sinatra, haha!)

Image courtesy of Denver.org

Tenderized into receptivity by the possibility of a pandemic death and already surrendering the 100% interior design and meal planning autonomy I used to have before our cohabitation began in late 2019 the notion of marriage sank in slowly.

But I think the last bits of the puzzle fell into place in August on our road trip to Colorado. At the time there was a growing pilot staffing crisis and flights were being cancelled at an alarming rate. We knew we were going to be traveling on a razor thin time margin and so we chose to drive.

I think it crystallized for me somewhere over the mind-numbing flatness of Nebraska:

When you can ride in a car with a person for 13 straight hours, turn around and do 13 more hours in the opposite direction just three days later with fresh conversation and never a cross word or terse tone... that's a person you lock down and make yours.

Let's see the ring!

 Instead of a ring... I opted for something a little different.

After we paid the tab we drove down the road to a tattoo shop I had planned on popping in and checking out for my next tattoo. A tattoo I have had on my mind for several years now.

They had an opening. I had artwork and a willing wingman.

So to ink our engagement, I inked my forearm in honor of two of the lights of my life: my nieces Sophie and Kayla.

If I lose this down a sink drain, I've got muuuuuch bigger problems than a lost ring.