Saturday, September 7th, 2024
We make our way towards Mt. Rainier National Park, after a long drive and night out at the Gorge Amphitheater to see Hozier play in one of the most stunning venues in all the world.
My partner, Josh and I walk hand-in-hand up Paradise Trail, my heart bursting open with a taste of aliveness as I take in the panoramic views. The purple flowers dance in the mountain breeze, the sky fills with grey and orange haze, just enough to make out the afternoon sun. The air thick with love and possibility.
I am in love—With life. With Josh. With this present moment.
Josh’s parents trail behind us, pointing out the marmots playing on the rocks, the waterfall on the summits ridge, and the miles and miles of Pacific Silver Fir’s that stand before us.
Our bodies move slowly, drinking in the sights and sounds of Mother Earth and all her bounty. Parents with young children move up the trail faster than we are, and for the first time, I could care less of how long it takes to make it to the top. We are listening to the the pace of our legs, our bodies, and our nervous systems.
With each and every step, our slower pace tastes like victory.
As we inch our way towards Glacier Vista—Panorama Point (7,051 feet in elevation), my legs and hips are weak and achey. I hum and I haw the last 1,000 feet, convincing myself I didn’t want to make it to the top after all.
But just as I was about to give up, the viewpoint peeked it’s magnificence just around the corner, while Josh lovingly encouraged me to take all the time I needed. We finally make our way to the top and I sit my bum on a boulder that seems to be made just for my seat. Thank you, Mother Earth!
“Do you want a picture together?” Josh’s mom asks.
“Errrgghhhh, I guess so.” I reply.
As the photos take, Josh and I turn towards each other to soak in the expansive views of the melting glaciers and Wilson Glacier Falls roaring in the background. Josh starts to kneel down on one knee, his smile sharpens to a widened grin, stands up and asks,
“Christine Marie, will you marry me?”
As you can see, the shock takes me a while to find my words. Josh and I have stepped into so much change and expansion these last few months, and it all feels like I’m still waking up from the most vibrant dream.
This season of our lives feels like it’s moving fast, and what I’m noticing is that I want this phase of our sacred union to be honored just like our hike to the top of Paradise Trail was—slow-moving, savoring, honoring— all while remembering that this phase of where we are and who we are, will never be what it is now.
The life—the community—the service—the sanctuary—the commitment—the family that we are building together is beyond what my conscious mind could have ever hoped for. I want to savor this moment forever.
And that to celebrate it in all its reverence, means to honor my nervous system in the process. Remembering this Month’s Energy Expression Reading :)
There are many more celebrations and news to come forward in the future! My mind bursts in excitement to share. And yet, (for now), my body and heart strongly yearns to keep most of the changes close and sacred.
It’s a gift to share this news with you all. Thank you to those who have supported our love thus far. You know who you are 🌹
With Love & Gratitude,
Christine Marie
Congratulations Christine Marie! I can feel your joy.:)
Congratulations, Christine Marie and Josh.
We know your happiness and share it with you. With this announcement there is more joy and positive energies in the Universe.
Thank you!