“Forever Begins...”

Our story began with a single fertilized duck egg, known as Balut, a Filipino delicacy. Yes, it is true, but I will get to that in a moment. Maui was born and raised in the Philippines and I was born in Kansas. Separated by thousands of miles. Pecos, Texas is where we found each other. Maui worked as an ER nurse and I worked for EMS. When I first noticed Maui, I was mesmerized by her beauty and kindness. However, I lacked the courage to step forward and declare my crush. Years passed, yes, three years to be exact before fate stepped in to lend a helping hand. A coworker of hers offered me words of encouragement. I set out to win her heart. During a routine drop off to the ER, Maui threw down the gauntlet. She issued forth a challenge; if I were to eat the Balut, she would agree to accompany me on a dinner date. I devoured not just 1 but 2 of the ghastly things, winning a date with the beautiful Maui. Maui and I went on many more dates, and time passed all too quickly. My love for her grew everyday. I knew in my heart, that she was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. She is the love of my life, the other half of my soul has been longing for. June 30, 2018, I arranged for a romantic dinner at The Venetian in Las Vegas. After dinner, Maui and I rode the Gondola through the casino. The Gondolier began to sing a romantic Italian love song, it was during that moment I looked over at my sweet love, our eyes met, I pulled the diamond ring from my pocket, choking back tears of happiness as I said, “Maureen, I love you more than words can express... will you marry me, and be my wife.” She said yes! Elated, I placed the ring, on the wrong finger, oops.