I have a wonderful son. His name is William but everybody calls him Will. In real life, he's taller, more computer savvy, and younger than me. I've imagined him as a married man but that dream hasn't become true, yet. He would be a wonderful husband and father. His personality oozes compassion and helpfulness. And he's 36, so I've been imagining that it's now about time.
Happily, reality has proven to be more powerful, vivid, and spectacular than my imagination. I thought I had a pretty good imagination, but this recent event has given me pause. Reality is amazing.
Background:
I was invited to Philadelphia (as was Bette, who was in Atlanta) so went solo for this past Thursdays' graduate school graduation ceremony at St. Joe's University. His girl friend, Claire, was to receive her MBA. Her mother, Will, and me had seats overlooking the 200 graduates and the school's faculty, all adorned in their robes, with tassels swishing, sashes draping in colors. Hundreds of family and friends cheered as each student walked onto the stage to receive their diploma. Flashbulbs flashed. Shouts shot out. Hands clapped.
Will had been keeping me in the loop for the last three months about his plan for this day. He had contacted a jeweler in California who was offering a beautiful sapphire stone for sale, mined in Montana. She had an artist friend who made engraved rings with settings. There were discussion and a deal was struck. Will paid his fee and crossed his fingers. This was in his imagination, an engagement ring for his beloved. And after a lengthy wait, 6 days before Claire's graduation date on Thursday, May 15, the ring arrived via FedEx. It was softly nestled inside a hinged, wooden box. Will was relieved and ecstatic with joy, he said. The ring was stunning, changing colors as the light altered.
After the college ceremony, I drove to Claire's apartment and waited. Will was the next to arrive. Claire and her mother were caught in Philadelphia traffic.
Walking from his parked car, I saw that Will was carrying a large cardboard box. It's empty, he said, and to be used as a distraction for Claire. She would be told a gift was inside.
Upon their arrival, Claire, her mother, Caroline, Will and myself, went into the apartment. We talked about the ceremony and how nice it was for Claire to be finished with her master's degree program, and now to look forward to the next professional stage in her life. She was certainly smiling, relief and gratitude evident on her face.
Then, what's in the big box, Will? A gift, he said. So light it was, she lifted it easily. Then, taking a pair of scissors handed to her, she began to cut the packing tape. Her back was to us when my son said, it's an empty box. There's nothing inside. Hesitating, and unsure she heard or understood, Claire turned towards us, facing Will.
What she immediately saw was my son, on one knee, holding in his raised left hand, palm flat and extended, the engagement ring box.
He said, clearly, Claire, will you marry me?
I watched: Her eyes, deep brown and twinkling; her face, astonishment and delight; her hands both swiftly moving to her face, her words, "Oh my, YES!!! YES!!!" and she took the box, opened it, and gasped in delight.
Imagination pales. This reality moment was, simply, indescribable.
Then, more kisses and hugs.
