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Written by Brandy Tim and I met standing outside my apartment building. It was a blind date, his sister Kerry set us up. We went for Italian and then to a dive bar and just kept talking and trying to figure each other out. With a bottle of Fume Blanc in Tim, it became easy for me to see Tim for who he truly was, a really cute guy who is good with computers, wine, lake houses and me. We spent lots of time passing through each other’s worlds. My city friends, his suburban family with the DePaul crowd in between. It was all very cute how we learned to be fluent in each others languages. And after 3 years of being taught to love the Cubs, embrace computers and almost change the diapers of the nieces and nephews, I knew that I wanted to see what life with this guy would have in store and hey he cooks too - what is not to love about Tim and all that comes with him. Oh was the engagement a surprise! I planned dinner with friends at a new tapas restaurant on my birthday. Before we left for dinner, Tim made me go to my room with a bottle of sparkling wine while he wrapped my birthday presents. An hour later, dressed in his tux, he summoned me to the living room to begin opening. The first 3 presents were silly little things, but the last one was amazing. I reached in his coat pocket and pulled out a jewelry box, I opened it to see the ring. What seemed like ages passed while I ogled at the ring wondering what it was, was he going to say something, ask something or say ha - this is a big joke? Finally he bent to his knee and proposed. I said yes. Two minutes later our friend Christine showed up to take us out to dinner, but it took me a long time before I could get my shaking legs to stand up. Once I gained composure, we were off to dinner where we celebrated much more than my birthday with many of our friends.
Written by Tim During the summer of 2002, my sister Kerry set us up on a blind date and advised me that Brandy will probably wear a cute little sun dress and that she’ll have impeccable manners. What Kerry didn’t say is that I would be meeting the love of my life. Between Cub games and lakehouse weekends, Brandy and I met almost every Thursday night for many months. I had extra time on my hands back then and could plan exciting and creative dates. Always on my best behavior, I ventured out on Thursday nights with the intent to woo this special Texan. We dated for a couple years before I started shopping for serious birthday jewelry. During those couple years, Brandy might not admit it but I know she was a bit shell-shocked by the many Kemp family gatherings (the number of kids seemed to grow exponentially), my nickname and computer collection, my addiction to the Food Network, my nanny skills and my 1980s wardrobe. In no time at all, Brandy fell in love with me, she became a hit with all the nieces and nephews and tolerated my many interests. As Brandy and I continued to redefine our relationship, from dating scenarios to engaged fiancés, a pleasant and unanticipated outcome occurred along the way. As I reflect over the last few years, I not only met and fell in love with my future wife, I’ve been lucky enough to get to know and spend quality time with her friends and family to the point where I quickly doubled my family and friends. I’m looking forward to a lifetime of drinking buddies, barbeque, holiday trips to Houston and golfing with my new family and friends. Early in our relationship at the lakehouse, while on a late night kayaking adventure, I was showing off and capsized the boat. My glasses sank to the bottom of the muddy waters. Like a champ, Brandy quickly dove down and returned with them. It may sound silly, but after that moment, I had a strong suspicion that Brandy and I would have a long happy future together. Since, I haven’t let her out of my sight. |
