L'Engagment (Part II--Courtney's Perspective)

For me, it started with a hot dog. (Rip's friends spare me your references to Freudian innuendos.) Other than the French baguette or the spicy mustard it comes with, there is nothing special about a Parisian hot dog. But for whatever reason I wanted one, and my sweet, ever-appeasing boyfriend stopped at a small hot dog hut off the Champs-Elysees to get me one. I savored my delicious snack as we continued our walk down the Champs. We came upon a small carnival section with a huge bumpy slide--the kind I used to love to ride as a little girl at the fair. I looked longingly at Rip, and he--much the same way my dad used to do--smiled and reached in his pocket for some Euros. I gave the carnival man my ticket in exchange for a piece of green carpet, and with the giddy alacrity of an 8 year old made my ascent up the ramp to the top of the slide. Oblivious to the preparations being made down below, I situated myself on the carpet and prepared for take off. There are two notable differences about this slide experience and those of my childhood. First of all, I didn't go as fast as I used to; those extra pounds forced me to push myself over the humps. And secondly, before there was never a man at the bottom with a ring and an important question. As I came over the second to last hump I saw Rip and thought "What is he doing? Has he fallen over? Why is that random lady taking a picture of me?" It was not until I came over the last hump that I heard the words "Will you marry me?" and realized that Rip's fingers were sparkling. The details of the following moments are hazy, but I'm sure there was some sort of affirmative response along with cheering from the small crowd that had gathered, pictures, tears, disoriented walking to random gardens off the Champs, hugs and kisses. Eventually our emotions began to settle and we continued our walk--me admiring my new ring and Rip explaining to me its history.

As some of you may have been, I was not fortunate enough to have known Rip's grandmother Mem. I have heard a lot about her though, and have a great appreciation for her and her influence over Rip. A couple of nights ago as Rip and I ate dinner outside the old Opera house I unwittingly yet preciently asked him to tell me more about Mem. From what I gather she was an amazing woman--strong and independent, intensely devoted to her family, and fiercely determined to live a full and happy life. The ring Rip slipped on my finger (there was confusion as to which one) was Mem's original engagement ring. So, Mem, thank you for this special privilege and for your role in making Rip who he is today. I wear it in your memory and in your honor, and I aspire to live as you did and love your grandson the way you loved him.

For me this experience has been grounding. We have walked along the streets of ancient cities and witnessed some of the oldest and most magnificent structures the world has ever known. We have traveled to great heights--St. Peter's, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame--but the most special moment of the trip happened at the bottom of a slide. In the hundreds of hours Rip and I have spent together in the past few days we have struggled through culture shock, heightened insecurities and having no one besides each other to talk to. It has been hard at times, and we have learned a lot about ourselves and each other. Those of you who know Rip know that he is--probably more than anything--a good friend, a great person to have on your team. And I feel so lucky to call him my very best friend, and now, my fiance.

I suppose it started long before the hot dog craving ever entered my mind. Through whatever series of decisions, mishaps, heartbreaks, cathartic moments, stories, sounds, sights, smells, feelings, dreams, and life experiences Rip and I have come together to embark on a special journey. I don't know that I necessarily belive in the idea of "the one," but I do believe that Rip and I have something immensley special that niether of us has ever shared with any other person. At the beginning of this relationship a lot of you said to both of us "don't screw this up." Well, miraculously we have not managed to yet. Thank you all for the love and support you have shown each of us in your own special ways. We will need it now more than ever.

Happy New Year.