It was a cool, prototypical San Francisco day, January 30, 2011. Sam and I left church on our way to Marin headlands for a hike and picnic. It was seemingly just another day, as Sam had just finished a ship contract and was visiting the city for a week. We get to the headlands and begin to walk, admiring the stunning postcard-like views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco. Before long, we get to the top of the hill and see the Golden Gate Bridge perfectly framing the city we have come to love. I begin to feel a round-metallic-burning-sensation in my right pocket, so I quickly suggest we find a place to sit and eat. We walk until we happen upon a "random" chunk of grass overlooking the ocean, where we sit down to enjoy our sandwich and wine lunch. The burning in my pocket quickly returns, so I jump up and tell Sam to join me at the railing (Her first clue that something was up). After a threat to throw me over the railing and a comically-rude jab in the direction of our soon-to-be photographers, I cannot take it any longer. I pull Sam close and describe the unconditional love I have for her, how much she means to me, and some additional things that neither you need to hear or we remember. As I reach into my pocket and drop to my knee, the jig is up. I ask Sam the question that I've been waiting to ask. Remembering she has a line amidst a flood of emotion, Sam says with an obvious tone, "Of Course!" I will never forget the look on Sam's face as I attempt to slide my token of love on her finger while we stare into each other's eyes. At that moment, as we experience this truly unique and organic moment, our favorite song begins to play from the surrounding foliage. We spend some time soaking in the moment, as my dear friends act as paparazzi. As the following minutes and hours go by, we both begin to realize the wonderful and exciting journey we have just embarked on. Thus concludes the best day of my life...so far.
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