Many years ago, when I was attending college in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania I met Carla. Coming from California, I felt a little out of place in Northeastern, PA…but when I met Carla and found out she too was from Cali we instantly had a connection. Cleaning houses was one of the many jobs I had during those two years, and I had always looked forward to going over to Carla’s home. The first 30 minutes to 1 hour we spent talking over 1 or 2 cups of hot tea. She would share with me the challenges of raising teenage girls, and I shared with her about my family, school, and new found love. I’d finally look at the time, and knew I had to get started, but never wanted to stop chatting with her. We always had the best conversations and built a special friendship through those two years.
It was the summer before my senior year of college that I met Jeff. He flew out with me before I started school to get a feeling of where I lived before we endured 1 long year of long distance. He had one year left of his Master’s and it was probably a good thing we were long distance through our last years of school. 
On October 31st, 1997 I got the biggest surprise of my life. I was cleaning one of the upstairs bathrooms, yellow gloves on and all when Carla called for me quickly. As I approached the top of the stairs I saw Jeff at the front door. I honestly almost passed out, sat down at the top of the stairs because I felt so dizzy and immediately put my head down to my knees. I thought I was dreaming. He had called Carla the week before to arrange everything. I had no idea what would come next.
Carla immediately told me to get out of there, that I was free to go. We rushed to my house so I could change clothes and we were headed to the most beautiful State park which we had visited together back in August. This is where he proposed. He sang me a song that he had wrote, got down on one knee, and took out a shiny rock! I was shocked. We had only dated about 4 months, but I already knew in my heart that I wanted to marry him. As he patiently awaited my answer, I finally said “YES” with a big hug and kiss. He had hoped I would be a crier, but I honestly was still in shock from the surprise at Carla’s house to the proposal. I was so excited!
Well, Carla moved back to California about 6 years ago. It’s been fun to have her close by, although we don’t get to see each other enough. I had the privilege of seeing her oldest daughter married a few years back, and visited her in Del Mar. She’s now a licensed “Life Coach” and is starting her business. She contacted me needing some head shots, and I was excited to help her out. I can’t share with you all the details of her business venture, but it’s going to be GOOD. Contact her at cbeachcoaching@aol.com if you are in need of a Life Coach. She’s fantastic.
