Family and friends,
You may recall that for the past 8 years, I have had the privilege of dating my high school sweetheart. 7 out of those 8 years being long distance because he is worth nearly falling asleep at the wheel for. Growing up alongside my best friend for all these years means that without him, there is no me. Albert is all things joyful, creative, hardworking, and driven. He makes every day of my life better than the last and reminds me to have gratitude for the endless adventure this life together has to offer.


At the beginning of this year, we had an adventure I will not soon forget. Albert and I traveled to San Diego, California under the guise of his company’s holiday party. And yes, in the back of my head, I was thinking that San Diego sure sounds like a lovely place to get engaged. I was certain that if he were going to propose, he would do it before he introduced me to all of his coworkers because “This is Delaney, my fiancé” sounds very official. But alas the beach walking, wave watching, and gelato eating did not warrant a ring and I remained his dumb old girlfriend.


The next day was filled with adventures at the San Diego Zoo, Little Italy, and more gelato. But then Albert had the idea to wind down and end the day watching the sunset at the very appropriately named location of Sunset Cliffs. So we timed the drive perfectly to be able to catch the rainbow sky set over the Pacific all the while I touched up my hair and makeup on the ride just in case (which is a moot point when you’re as big of a crybaby as me). We arrived at the overlook and both of us were shaking in our boots and dancing around the impending topic by discussing how we should definitely go surfing and get some more gelato before we go home.


The next thing I know, Albert has pulled out a small, handcrafted, wooden box and I am already crying. Exactly one year ago, Albert picked up a scrap piece of redwood during his trip to the Redwood National Park with the intention of making a box for the ring he would eventually acquire. He said my new favorite words that he has ever said, “This ring box is made from a tree that is hundreds of years old and it is a symbol for how long I’m going to love you.” And then he said several other very nice things I’m sure. He asked me to marry him and I said “yeah” and it was the best day of our lives so far.