I'M ENGAGED!!!

Yes, that's right! I'm engaged! I will never get tired of saying that! For a few months now we've been seriously talking about marriage and what not. We even went to look at rings together. Not to long after finding the perfect ring, Kevin decided that he would pop the question and he spoke to my parents. Of course, I had no idea!
Kevin told me a few days ago that he was planning on taking me out to a nice dinner and perhaps a little star-gazing. He was being mysterious as to why so I tried to find out but just settled at the fact that maybe he was just treating me to a nice night out and left it at that. Little did I know that it was much MUCH more!
The first suprise of the day was when Kevin took me to the same restaurant that we had our first date. The meal and the atmosphere was perfect! Kevin made little hints throughout the evening but I didn't really pick up on it.
After dinner we went to a nearby park, spread out a blanket, and looked at the stars. Kevin said he wanted to dance with me and set up his iPod to play some nice romantic music. I thought, "Kevin... wants to dance? hmmm"
He said that each song had a meaning. The first song he played was Michael W. Smith's "Love of My Life" (I love you). The second song was Taylor Swift's "Love Story" (the lyrics say "just say yes"). The third and final song was John Berry's "Will You Marry Me?" Of course I started crying.... but Kevin didn't even pop the question yet! So a million things were running across my mind- is he asking me? should I say something? So I blurted out the only logical thing I could think of "YES!" Kevin smiled, "Well honey, I can't ask you yet." I shrugged in total embarrassment and said "I understand."
He couldn't ask me yet because he wanted to wait until the end of the song, that stinker!! He got down on one knee and asked, "Melissa Joelle Derrick, will you marry me?" Through my tears of happiness I said yes!

We plan on setting a date soon and also making a wedding website. This is truly the happiest day of my life so far!!!

To My Pen Pal

Dear Doris Graham,

I wish you could read this letter that I'm writing to you today. I think the last time you and I talked was last year on my birthday. Every year, you'd call me up on the phone and sing happy birthday. Usually, I hate hearing that song... but you give it such a sweet and gentle melody that it always brings tears to my eyes.
Ever since you and I met at my grandfather's church The Carpenter's House... we were friends. It doesn't matter that you and I were decades apart in age. I admired you for your beautiful voice, your graceful demeanor, and your endless compassion towards everyone.
Our ways parted and we started attending different churches. I graduated and went to college and my life was just beginning. But no matter how many years had passed, we continued to keep in touch through letters and pictures. I absolutely loved getting letters from you. They brightened my day so much!

Today, I was told that you passed away.

I never knew how much of impact you made on my life.. how much you could take someone for granted... and how much you can miss someone you love after they've gone. I feel like I could have written you more, called you first, or at least visited once. I know I can't change that now but I will never forget the memories I have of you.
As you look down from Heaven, please know that you are the reason why I am doing the job that I am doing right now. You are the reason why I respect and admire every single story that my clients tell me. You are the reason that I show such tenderness and compassion to my clients, whether they are in a good mood or not. Because sometimes all they need is for someone to show them that they care.

I will always keep you in a special place in my heart, Doris. I love you like family because in my heart... you are. Rest in peace, Doris. I will miss you.

The Little Boy and the Old Man

Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon."
Said the old man, "I do that, too."
The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."
"I do that too," laughed the little old man.
Said the little boy, "I often cry."
The old man nodded, "So do I."
"But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems
Grown-ups don't pay attention to me."
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.
"I know what you mean," said the little old man.
--
Shel Silverstein

Dedicated to Doris Graham.... from one caring heart to another.