I'm engaged.

This past weekend, I wrote this in sidewalk chalk in front of John McClaren's House in Golden Gate Park, three blocks from where we will live, the spot where we often begin our walks on Sunday mornings. Under the pretense of picking up the first round of boxes and beginning moving in together, my girlfriend Cariwyl and I got in the car around 10:30 AM, whereby we detoured into the circular drive in front of the McClaren House and I walked her over to the inscription.

After much crying, mostly from me, I asked "Is that a yes?"

We spent the rest of the day at the Wente Winery (a favorite of hers), having ice cream sundaes and telling friends and family.

I couldn't have asked for lovelier, in a day or whom I shared it with. When we took a walk the next day, our inscription was still there on the sidewalk.

I've known people who found the right person for them at a young age. I've known others who never did. I've never believed there is only one right person for each of us but rather, as we learn, as we grow, we arrive at a platform and standing across it, is the person with whom we're supposed to continue the trip. They are never perfect. Neither are we. The hope we all carry, the risk we all take, is that they will be right for us, that together you can do better, be better than who you could be alone. That together, you both will someday arrive at another platform, which is whom you are supposed to be.

The train is arriving, suitcases at our side. I have been looking the better part of my adult life for whom I stand along side as I begin the next leg of learning.

I knew her name months ago. But on Saturday, I saw her again anew. And saw the brave and brilliant journey all over again.

(thank you to our friend Britton who hid behind a tree and took pictures).

Comments

[DYKC?™]

Congratulations again, man. I am excited for you both!

[Teresa Jusino]

OMG, that is so SWEEEEET! Congratulations again. Your proposal was made of win, and you two are very lucky! :)

[Faith Aeryn]

Rock on, Mr. Smokler. Well done. I love you guys and am so excited for you both!

[Tea]

That's lovely, Kevin. Just lovely.

I'm so pleased for you!

[Beatriz Américo]

Love, love, love... tan, ta-ran, ta-ran... (the Beatles song) True love is in our hearts and we know it and we feel it. Thank you for sharing this vibrating energetic feeling!
Congratulations, I enjoy the way you presented the story, 10+
Beatriz

[C.C. Chapman]

You old softie you! I love how you did it. Well done and congratulations!

[James McNally]

Beautiful. And a fantastic idea to have someone to take photos. Good thing she wrote "YES" in that case!

Can't wait to see where you guys will go together in life. Wishing you the best!

[Geoffrey Long]

Big, huge congrats, brotherman. Have you guys set a date yet? :)

[Kevin Smokler]

The date will be sometime in 2010 here in San Francisco.

[Cheryl McLaughlin]

Congratulations, Kevin! What a wonderful way to pop the question and share your tears and joy! All the best to you and Cariwyl!

[BayTaperDotCom]

CONGRATS!!!

[Lauren Marie Fleming (a.k.a. Befri)]

CONGRATS! I'm so happy to have you in the "family"! I truly, sincerely, honestly and lovingly mean that.

[Heav]

Congrats, Kev! Nice work, mi amigo...

[sarah]

I am crying reading this. I am so happy for you two!

[Laura]

Congrats! What excellent news!

(Wher'z the registry gon' be at?)

[Jish]

Many many congrats! This is very happy news!

[Kevin Smokler]

Thank you again friends!

Registry: I wouldn't count on much of one. Dubs and I pretty much have what we need materially speaking. We're thinking about a "please give to these charities" registry.

[cousin kurt]

YEEEEHHHHAAWWW!

A Big Congrats!

[Alex]

Congratulations! How wonderful :)

[L.C. McCabe]

Congratulations Kevin.

I wish the two of you happiness and laughter in your life together.

[Nick Phillips]

Congratulations you two! I'm very happy for you!