the formal engagement

On Easter we become engaged and I was very happy. We decided not to tell anyone for a while, until Marge received her ring. Only we would tell our parents. Mother and Daddy were not surprised for they knew well my intentions as loving parents do. And they were happy with me when they knew that Marge and I were to become married.

With the passing of a few days the opportunity presented itself for me to ask for the blessing of Marjorie's parents upon our engagement. I was a little bit nervous. They were not surprised. To have their approval made everything quite perfect. Mr. Curtis said to me that I was getting an unusual and wonderful girl who was well prepared for homemaking. We both knew angels were not common upon the earth, dressed in the robes of intelligent preparation, crowned with virtue, mild in manner, and powerful in goodness. Angels are scarce. Marge is truly an angel. I thank my Heavenly Father that he led me to her.

Marge's birthday was coming up on 27th April, 1951. I decided this would be the day to give her the ring. But she was to be surprised.

We made plans to celebrate her birthday at the Beta Chapter Spring Dinner Party planned for the 27th at the Institute.

The most beautiful white orchid that I could order was sent to her while she was preparing for our date together. When I arrived she was aglow in spirit, and I knew that I had make her very happy. And so I was overjoyed.

​She saw me bring in a birthday package which I told her she was not to be open until we returned. It was from Mother and Dad for her. But she was to think that it was from me so that she wouldn't guess that I was going to give her the ring that night--I wanted it to be a perfect surprise.

We left for the party, but drive to the parking before the Capitol Building. There in the grandeur of this edifice and the inspiring view of the sparkling valley before us as stars in the dark, I placed the ring upon the hand of my angel. We were very happy together.

I had spent many hours in planning and contemplating the nature of the ring which she was to wear. The stone was to be priceless even as she, without blemish, set in the graceful and dignified setting even as she was set in the beautiful ways of the Lord. The stone must stand out from all else, even as she did, not held down by the unbeautiful, for she would be advancing. And so it did.

We arrived at the party and watched the movies that were shown, for about an hour. Then we left the lounge and entered the banquet hall. It was elegantly set and decorated.

While standing in line, the dinner was served buffet style, someone noticed her ring. Soon everyone knew and shared our happiness with us.

When all were served and seated we began to eat. Then to my joy and surprise everyone sang together "Happy Birthday Dear Marge" and congratulated us on our engagement.

The whole evening was delightfully spent with my darling, dancing and planning together, and enjoying the company and friendship ones true pals. I believe that we both felt it had been a wonderful time, and a wonderful place to tell others of our happiness.

We left soon after midnight, from this most wonderful party, and soon were to her home. Our prayers together this night were as I always hope they may be: said arm-in-arm, filled with hope, thanksgiving and eternal love.