A Serendipitous Meeting

Blessing stood at Denver International Airport (DIA), her heart fluttering in anticipation. She had only exchanged a few messages with Jude, the soft-spoken man flying in from Europe to pursue his dreams in America. Being the kind soul she was, Blessing had volunteered to pick him up and offer a warm welcome. As the passengers poured out of the terminal, Blessing spotted him—a tall, slender figure with a charming smile and eyes that sparkled with curiosity.

Jude’s gaze settled on her almost instantly, recognizing her from the picture she’d sent. They exchanged a polite hug, and in that moment, a spark flickered. It wasn’t love at first sight—more like an inexplicable connection that hinted at something beautiful. After exchanging pleasantries, they set off for the two-hour drive back to Colorado Springs.

Conversations and Connections

The drive was long, but time seemed to melt away as they talked. Jude marveled at the vastness of the landscape, so different from the bustling cities of Europe. Blessing, ever the attentive host, made sure to share fun facts and stories about Colorado. They laughed, shared anecdotes, and discovered shared interests—both were passionate about exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.

By the time they reached Colorado Springs, what had started as a mere favor for a new acquaintance turned into the beginning of a profound friendship.

The Errand Adventures

In the weeks that followed, Blessing and Jude’s bond grew stronger. Blessing, who was always on the move, found Jude to be a wonderful companion as she went about her daily errands—grocery shopping, visiting local spots, or simply grabbing coffee at her favorite café. Jude’s willingness to tag along wasn’t just out of politeness. He found Blessing’s company refreshing, and every mundane task became an adventure with her by his side. There was a natural ease between them, comfort that came from a place of mutual respect and admiration. Little did they know their shared laughter and small moments of companionship were laying the foundation for something much deeper.

Across the States

Before long, their friendship expanded beyond Colorado Springs. They traveled across the United States together, visiting iconic landmarks, from the vibrant streets of New York City to the tranquil shores of California. Each trip brought them closer, giving them a chance to see the world through each other’s eyes.

For Blessing, Jude’s perspective on American culture was fascinating. For Jude, experiencing a new country alongside someone who embraced both his heritage and theirs made everything more meaningful. Six months of shared travels, stories, and unforgettable memories made them realize that what they felt wasn’t just friendship. There was something more powerful that they could no longer ignore.

Realization and Confession

It was on a breezy afternoon in early summer, while watching the sunset at the Grand Canyon, that the realization dawned on them. As the orange and pink hues painted the sky, Jude turned to Blessing, his expression serious yet soft.

“I think I’ve fallen for you,” he murmured, his voice barely audible over the whispering wind. Blessing felt her heart skip a beat. She’d felt it too—the way her heart lit whenever he smiled, the way his voice felt like home. Taking a deep breath, she whispered back, “I think I have, too.”

They shared a quiet smile, the moment carrying the weight of all they’d been through together and the promise of all that was yet to come.

The Proposal

The proposal was a complete surprise—I never saw it coming! My fiancé had secretly made all the plans behind the scenes, and with the help of a close friend, they totally fooled me. It all happened in beautiful Colorado Springs, but I had no idea what was in store.
That day, my friend told me we were going to a work gala hosted by her job. I went over to her place to get ready, and she said she needed to run a quick errand. While she was out, I took the opportunity to take a much-needed nap. At one point, I tried calling my fiancé to check in, but he didn’t answer. I didn’t think much of it at the time.
When my friend returned, we got ready and set off for what I thought was going to be a glamorous gala. As she drove, she kept making phone calls, but I stayed in my own world, excited to see what the evening would bring. When we finally arrived, she asked me to wait in the car while she confirmed we were at the right location. After a few moments, she came back and assured me everything was set.
As I walked in, completely unsuspecting, the door opened, and there they were—people I loved and valued dearly, each holding a rose in their hand. I was stunned, standing there in shock. I even paused and asked, “What is going on here?” Everything was a blur, but I remember seeing my fiancé standing at the far end of the room. The moment felt surreal.
I walked toward him, receiving a rose from each of my loved ones along the way. It wasn’t until I reached the front that the reality of what was happening hit me. There, in front of everyone, my fiancé dropped to one knee, Blessing, from the moment we met at DIA to all our adventures across this country, you’ve been more than a friend, more than a companion. You’ve been my blessing. Will you marry me?”
Without hesitation, I said yes. It was a moment of pure happiness; one thing I’ll cherish forever.

Blesschi 2024