FROM SHANE:

It had to happen outdoors; somewhere amongst nature.  Andrea and I had spent that year visiting nearly a dozen arboretums all over the country.  She has developed a love for nature that I really admire.  Therefore, I chose one of our most frequented outdoor venues, The Los Angeles Arboretum.  From past conversations I knew Andrea would not want a public display or anything that would draw attention to her, but something peaceful that she would remember and hopefully cherish for the rest of our lives.  I found a location that was perfectly suited for the task at hand.  We sat atop a wooden bench among blooming flowers and weeping trees totally seclueded from the outside world.  Sitting there with sun shining I felt as though the sun was filling me up with courage through its warming rays.  When the moment was right I asked her as eloquently as I could muster and she said yes!  We spent the rest of the day relaxing on the beautiful lawns of the arboretum.