The Proposal in Michael's Words

Sent out Sunday night:


I am sure by now, most of you have heard the exciting news of the weekend…Friday night,I proposed to Mitzi, the light of my life, and she gleefully said yes (even before looking at the ring I nervously placed on her finger.) It has been a whirlwind of a weekend and now that I have a moment, I thought I would quickly share what happened and my thoughts…

As many of you know, Mitzi has been waiting for this proposal for quite a while now. I traveled to North Carolina to ask for her parents’ blessings…we set a wedding date, put a deposit down on the synagogue, made an appointment to meet the caterer….etc…The big moment had to come sooner or later, but the big question was when….and I was intentionally driving Mitzi crazy….We spent endless hours looking at ring after ring, going into Bernie Robbins, Bailey Banks and Biddle and trekking Samson Street. I had perfected a glazed, confused “they are all looking the same” look as we entered into each store. I explained that I was perplexed, nervous to buy her a ring she would not like….when, all along, I had my plans perfectly carved out.

On Friday evening, Mitzi thought we were joining our good friends Jill and Craig at the Continental for dinner. (Little did Mitzi know that only hours before, my pal Craig was getting his gallbladder taken out so there was no way he would be up to swilling martinis and dining on lobster mashed potatoes. ) For quite a while, she has been requesting (ie nagging) me to return to the restaurant where we first met, El Vez, to have our photo taken in the restaurant’s photo booth. I suggested that since it was a lovely evening, we stop there on our way to dinner. She told me that she thought I was unusually happy this evening and she couldn’t figure out why. (Apparently, I am normally a bit grumpy after the work week….some of you are nodding right now). When we arrived at the photo booth, I had mentioned that this would be the ideal place to propose, although Mitzi didn’t think much about it, since I said that once before and she thought I was going to propose in the middle of the King of Prussia food court, and then I didn’t.

I then got on my knee and said look how perfect this looks….if only I had a ring….again, she had this smirk on her face…..and then I said “wait a minute” and I opened my jacket to pulled out the ring Mitzi always wanted…an oval diamond with pears on the side surrounded by pave, a ring that almost sparkles as much as she does. That’s when Mitzi lost it, and I must admit I teared up a bit too. Since we were in a photo booth, I thought it would be appropriate to tell Mitzi that she has made my life picture perfect and I asked her to be my wife. I think she said yes….I never heard it…all I remember is her screaming “we’re engaged” into her cell phone as we trekked down the streets of Old City. (And yes, we did take photos in the picture booth.) The evening continued with a surprise dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Buddakan, and ended at my parents’ house where my folks and my sister unveiled a beautiful cake, champagne….and one more big surprise for my soon-to-be blushing bride….her parents, who flew in from North Carolina to celebrate with us.

It was quite a special celebration, befit for a very special woman.

Those of you who have known me for a long time know that I had been quite jaded when it comes to dating. I never felt that I would be able to find a woman who complements me in every way….who deals with my overly aggressive neatness and my occasional cantankerous nature, while at the same time cheering me on, encouraging me, supporting me, teaching me and appreciating me. I certainly recognized that it was a daunting task. I felt as though I was fighting an uphill battle and many times, I felt defeated. I have been so blessed in my life….I have incredible parents, a sister who doubles as one of my dearest friends, a phenomenally loving family and friendships which have spanned decades…yet, I always felt that one piece was missing and truth be told, I was not sure I would ever find it.

Mitzi has captured my heart in a way that no one has….with a warmth, love, understanding and support that I have never experienced before in this way. She is the type of woman I know my parents have always wished for me, smart, funny, compassionate, caring to a fault…..and I know that just as she has touched my life, she has succeeded in touching many of yours as well, which makes me love and adore her even more. I couldn’t ask for a better daughter-in-law for my parents or a better sister-in-law for Brittany. She is the complete package, through and through.

I could continue, but I think you understand where I am coming from. To many of you, who have sent texts, voice mails and e-mails my and Mitzi’s way, I thank you. We are still getting through many of them…..To those of you who knew my plans, called to wish me luck, cheered me on and kept the secret, I thank you…To my parents, Brittany, Ed and Fay who helped to make this weekend so memorable, a million thanks to you….. And to the woman who truly lives up to her soon-to-be-former last name, “Mitzi Joy” I thank you….not just for saying yes, but for being the best thing that ever happened to me.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.

Love, Michael