Making It Happen - Getting Permission

Posted by: Dan on Jul 29, 2007

I wouldn’t say I’m a guy who always follows traditions but when it comes to engagements and weddings I guess I’m just old fashioned. Which is why I thought it was best to ask Brooke’s parents (Kurt and Cyndi) for their permission to propose to Brooke.

I thought this was going to be rough. And I was right about that. Don’t read anything into that – I really like Kurt and Cyndi, they’re both two of the nicest, sweetest, easy going people I know. They’ve welcomed me into their family a long time back – I feel comfortable around them and enjoy their company. However, asking for permission was almost more nerve racking than actually proposing to Brooke (almost).

I wasn’t worried that they would say no. To be honest I’m not sure why I was nervous, I just was. The best I can explain it is like this. Think back to a Christmas, birthday or some event where you really, really wanted something. Then you knew that you’d be getting it soon. You know nothing is wrong or could go wrong yet you still get nervous with anticipation. That’s what it was like.

Anyway, before I drag this out any more, I was lucky enough to go along with Brooke and her family on vacation (July 27 – 29, 2007). Her parents were there so I thought it was the perfect time to ask. We stayed in a condo up at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells – great place by the way. My thought was that I could catch Kurt and Cyndi at a random time and simply ask them. Turns out that wasn’t easy.

The problem that I didn’t see was trying to find some time alone with Kurt and Cyndi while we all shared the 2 bedroom condo. It turned out that on Sunday morning I got my chance. I woke up early, went for a walk and when I got back everyone was up. Brooke’s parents were heading some where so I said, “I going to walk down with them and take some pictures.” I thought I was free and clear until I heard Brooke say, “Do you want me to come with you?”

Now I couldn’t say, “No stay here” and seem like I didn’t want her around. I couldn’t say, “Sure come along” because then I wouldn’t be able to talk with Kurt and Cyndi. I think I spat out something like, “If you want to. I’m just going to take a few pictures and be back up.” Kurt and Cyndi were already out the door so I had to high tail it out there still not knowing if Brooke was coming or not. I actually caught up with them on the stairwell and just blurt out a quick question. Something along the lines of, “I didn’t want to have to rush this but I wanted to ask you two a question. I was wondering if I could have your permission to ask Brooke to marry me?”. Now in my head I had a whole different way to ask them but I wasn’t sure if Brooke would be rounding the corner any time soon or not.

So the question was out there and I had to wait for a reply. In reality it came rather quickly but in my mind it took forever. And I think it’s obvious that they did give me permission.

I also remember Cyndi asking me when I was going to propose to which I said, “Next Saturday [August 4th] at the [Bristol] Renaissance Faire“. I think I put her in a tight spot with that because I told her that they were the only two who knew or would know about this. And I have to say Cyndi (and Kurt) did a great job keeping my secret – no one knew.

Picture of the sun setting behind the trees up at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells.