Picketts in Poland: Our Melissa and Lance are Engaged!

August 30, 2013

A Day to Remember….

In late August, Lance asked to have a video chat with Mark and me, to ask our blessing for him to ask Melissa to marry him. We readily and enthusiastically gave our blessing.

Two days later, we received an email from our friend Laurie, with whom Melissa lives, while going to grad school.

"Well, so I know Lance has talked to you and tomorrow is the big day. I'm excited! Hope you can sleep!"

After receiving her e-mail, Mark and I called Laurie to get the details. She explained about Lance's plan for proposing to Melissa….and she suggested we use Google Hangout (a video chat) the next day in order for Mark and me to watch the event unfold in real time.

The plan was for Lance to propose to Melissa in front of Laurie and Kelvyn's house, surrounded by 400 helium balloons. Melissa would be surprised because she thought Lance was coming over to go running with her at 8 a.m.

Lance and his helpers arrived at Laurie and Kelvyn's home where Melissa lives around 5 a.m. Friday. He had been up late the night before blowing up the balloons, with the help of parents, friends and family.

Side story….Melissa had been frustrated with Lance the night before when he told her he couldn't spend time with her because he was going to be with some friends after a football game. Little did she know….

Lance and his helpers scattered balloons throughout the front yard.…many blown up the night before….

….and others blown up that early morning.

Lance was dressed in a suit….

….but the rest of the team was dressed to work….

…and Melissa would be dressed in her running attire. She surely would be surprised!

8 a.m. in Salt Lake City is 4 p.m. in Warsaw where we were. Mark came home early from work so he too could witness the event with me.

There were a few minutes of drama when we couldn't connect with Laurie on Google Hangout, so we switched to Face Time using Laurie's phone….and we were connected! Laurie put a finger up to her mouth to remind us to not make any sounds, then subtly kept her phone's camera pointed toward Melissa as she prepared to exit the house.

Lance was waiting ever so patiently for Melissa to come out to go running. They had sent texts back and forth….he texted that he was there….she texted that he could come in….he texted that he wanted to stay outside and stretch before their run.

Melissa was taking her time coming out….Lance texted Laurie and asked where Melissa was.

Melissa had come up to the kitchen and was getting ready to go outside….and the whole time we were watching her on Laurie's phone. Melissa finally went to the front door….with Laurie casually following her down the hallway.

Melissa opened the door….

….and was greeted by a colorful sight.

A few days earlier, Melissa had told Lance, "Good luck in surprising me because I don't get surprised easily". I think that, dressed for running, no make-up….she was surprised!

When surprised….Melissa does not squeal or scream….she often gets a little quiet. Her first words were "Oh my gosh". Then she went looking for Lance.

One of my favorite pictures….Melissa's face is priceless!

Melissa found Lance on the front lawn. He got down on one knee….and asked Melissa "Will YOU Marry Me?"

Mark and I were in Warsaw at our kitchen table, watching this all take place….little did Melissa know we were able to see the proposal.

Though we could see everything, we couldn't hear it all….we assumed Melissa said "yes". But Lance said "There was no 'yes'….she said 'of course!'"

Another reason Melissa was quite surprised…. she knew that Lance did not have the engagement ring yet….but he had purchased a stand-in ring that would do until her real ring arrived!

Melissa said that after "Of course!" her first words were… "Are you going to put the ring on me?"

Melissa says she wished she could have a "do over" with her responses….but it was all from the heart.

She didn't need to say "yes" to say "yes".

We think this means…. "YES"!

As we watched the fun occasion unfold…I was quietly smiling…maybe a bit teary-eyed also…and so very happy!

Laurie told Melissa and Lance that we were on the phone….we were excited to be one of the first to tell them "Congratulations"!

I was thrilled to be able to see Melissa become engaged….Mark was pleased too, but also thought it was a formality, as we already knew that they were going to be engaged soon.