I went to college in 1969. Debbie and I had already been dating for a year. Having broken up, we got back together at college. After two years of school, she returned home to work and pay off debts. I finished my degree.
Somewhere along the way, I decided to ask her to be my wife. I didn't have any money saved - it was all going toward my education. After college, I planned to go to Kentucky to attend seminary for three years.
My mom stepped in and asked if I would like to use her diamond ring to engage Debbie. It was a beautiful, basket-weave setting. I loved it - it was so delicate and sparkly. Because of restrictions in the church at that time, this treasure had laid in my mother's drawer for forty years; it was like new.
My dad had bought it for her sometime before their marriage in 1934. I believe he bought it at a jewelry store auction in Beaver Falls, PA.
I quickly accepted her offer!
I purchased a silver, music-box, grand piano that had a small compartment in it. I placed the ring in the compartment. We went for an all-day trip to Conneaut Lake Park. It was September 3, 1971 (her birthday). After riding the rides all morning, we set up a picnic lunch. During lunch, I gave her a gift-wrapped box including the piano. When she lifted the lid and saw the ring, I asked her to marry me.
She said "Yes!"
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