I Got ENGAGED!

“Is this really happening? Oh my God is this actually happening?” I stammer again and again, clutching the paper in my freshly manicured hands, fingers trembling as I read his words.

Letters from Joseph, my boyfriend of five years, aren’t unusual. We’ve always exchanged them on birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. But, because he’s a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, letters have also been our lifeline during long stretches apart. They’re our way of staying close when his job keeps us miles apart.

That was especially true during the first three months of 2025 when Joe was away at Ranger School—a brutal combat training course where soldiers are completely cut off from the outside world while they train in the woods, mountains, and swamps. No phones. No internet. No updates except for a 30-60 second phone call from a landline every 3 weeks. Just silent hope and whispered prayers…and maybe a letter.

For ten long weeks, I checked the mailbox obsessively, scanning the envelopes for his familiar handwriting, eager to see his return address in the top-left hand corner.

But this letter... this one was different.

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Before I go any further, we need to rewind about two hours.

Joe and I were racing down I-75 to Atlanta from Nashville, where we currently live. The plan was to meet my parents at Cherokee, a country club in the city, to check it out as a potential wedding venue. (Yes, I was being a bit of a Type A control freak by touring wedding venues before we were even engaged.)

We eventually made it to Cherokee, but the vibes were immediately off.

My dad, usually warm and chatty, was quiet and distant. When I asked my mom where the wedding coordinator was—the one who was supposed to give us a tour—she shrugged and said she wasn’t sure if the woman would actually show up. Then there was Joe: trailing behind us, silent and distracted, seeming like he was somewhere else.

By 4 p.m., it was time to leave. Joe and I got back in the car to head to The Chastain, one of my favorite spots in Atlanta. We were supposed to meet four of my friends for drinks at the bar. I was confused as to why we were going so early. I was pretty sure the restaurant didn’t even open until 5. But Joe and my friends swore they opened at 4 in the summer for happy hour.

My suspicions kept growing.

We pull up to the restaurant, and it’s clearly closed. Staff members are trickling in for the evening shift. The tables aren’t set. The lights are glaring instead of softly glowing. Everything feels a bit off.

“Joe, what are we doing here?” I ask.

With his eyes flicking back and forth between me and his phone screen, he finally says, “Just trust me. Get out of the car.”

When we walked into the restaurant, a manager met us at the door and explained that they were still closed, but we were welcome to have a drink in the back garden. My heart immediately dropped into my stomach. In that moment, I knew what was about to happen.

Joe took my hand and led me to the garden, where a table draped in a white linen cloth and topped with a stunning bouquet of flowers was waiting for us. He guided me to the chair, sat me down, and then handed me the letter.

The most important one he’s ever written me.

In it, Joe told me how he planned this day. He wrote about his love for me, what our relationship means to him, and why he wants to spend the rest of his life by my side. Each word was thoughtful and intentional, which was an ironic juxtaposition to my inability to speak in that moment.

When I finally reached the end of the letter, he took my hands, stood me up, and dropped to one knee.

“Hannah Grace, will you marry me?”

I screamed, I cried, I laughed. I asked him AGAIN if this was really happening. And then finally I said yes.

From there, we toasted with champagne and enjoyed a few more private minutes together before our families came and met us to celebrate and take some more photos.

And the best part? Joe managed to gather all of our closest family and friends to celebrate us. It was a hodgepodge of our college, high school, and Nashville friends all gathered at Joe’s aunt’s house to eat, drink, and smoke cigars in our honor.

It was the best night ever.

I know you’re probably wondering when the mental health twist on this post is coming, and I promise it’s on its way. But, I’m saving that for Monday Mind Notes next week. Today, I just wanted to share something joyful. Because sometimes, the healthiest thing we can do is let ourselves fully feel the lightness, the laughter, and the ease.

So on that (monday mind) note, turn in next week for more.