Dream Wedding Giveaway: Rose and Heath

Our meeting is nothing out of the ordinary as we met through friends.  When we met we both were on the beginning of new paths in our lives and had every intention of staying single.  I was a single mother at the time and had just purchased my first family home and expected it to stay that way for many many years. Heath was a single dad who had just made some major life changes and felt that a relationship would just be too much to handle at that time. Only fate crept in and never let us part.  We were friends for some time, often crossing paths and talking on the phone. I found myself checking my phone every other minute as I did not want to miss a word from him.  I knew he was something special, a good father which was number one in my book and he had so many dreams which is what I needed to add to my life - dreams & possibilities.  After awhile, I quit hearing from him, he was never around and seemed to avoid me at all costs. I was empty, it was like losing a best friend before ever being able to tell them how important they were to you.  Each day got harder. He finally called after almost three weeks. I was angry and upset and I just didn't understand, until he explained to me why he had done that.  He was falling in love and that was the last thing he wanted. At that moment my world seemed to shine as I realized I was in love too.  But there was one thing that worried me. I was sick and little was known to him or anyone how bad it may be.  I couldn't let that stop me, I had found my soul mate.  After dating for 10 months it was nearing my birthday and Heath asked that I wait up for him before going to bed.  As time passed and he wasn't finished with his homework (taking college courses)  I was getting irritated to say the least. Exhaustion being a symptom of whatever was making me ill, not to mention it was nearly 3 am.  At that time Heath came to me and said he wanted to give me my birthday present early, he proceeded to hand me what looked to be a bracelet box. I opened it, it was EMPTY. I was tired and un-amused and he seemed to think it was funny, as I sat and complained about him keeping me up I look over and see him on his knee with a ring box in his hand, he asked me to be his wife! I said NO. I thought it was a joke, I couldn't believe it with so much going on in our life, what was special about today?  It took me a few days to realize how real it all had been, the ring was sized to fit my finger and I knew I could not let him go, but how do I take back my no and say yes, he refused to propose again (and stated I already had my ring).

Shortly after this my health turned for the worse, and that is when this picture comes in.  After many appointments and tests I was sent for a biopsy of my thyroid. Heath took the day off with me and we went to the appointment together as we did will all of the others. We had a little free time and took my boys to the park.  With all the fear that surrounded the past few weeks and that day Heath was able to put a smile on my face. I sat watching him play with my boys at the park (as I did not feel well enough to).  The joy he brought to them was enough to help me get past whatever was coming my way.  He came by me as a way to cheer me up and this was a quick capture of the day.

About a month later we found out I had thyroid cancer. I will never forget the feeling of letting down my loved ones. Who would take care of the home and my boys, who would take care of me.  Heath never left my side. He was at every appointment and in the hospital with me sleeping on those uncomfortable chairs. I told him many times he didn't have to stay with me as we had no real ties.  He never left, he never thought about leaving.  After my second surgery in the recovery room with what little voice I had, I went on to tell him he could leave again only to be cut off.  I did not know he had asked the doctor if he could put my rings back on now that surgery was over, with that he put my engagement ring back on my finger and softly said "Will you be my wife?  Til death do us part."  I finally got a second chance to say YES.