Thanks again for sharing this story with Leah and I this week. We'll see if we can bring it home today.
To celebrate the moment on Friday night, I did something I rarely do. I cooked! I actually prepared a memory meal. A sentimental spread if you will:) It was a collection of random food that has been a part of our journey.
Since neither of us had much of an appetite, we spent most of our time just sitting at the table laughing. Leah read me a letter that she'd been carrying in her purse since the end of July, when we first started talking seriously about the future. Every word was beautiful and it inspired me to kiss her again! Needless to say we had alot of leftovers.
After dinner we drove to the waterfront. We hit Starbucks, where the barista gave Leah a free engagement frappucino. Then I suggested we sit down at Barnes and Noble to look at bridal magazines. Didn't know what I was getting myself into with that one. Young women in the store were attracted to our table like bugs to a light and Leah had a great time telling our brand new story to strangers.
I was actually just trying to kill time, setting up the grand finale. Our families had agreed to meet in Pittsburgh to surprise Leah and celebrate the engagement. It was Samantha's last night in town before going back to Grove's City College. Leah's parents (Bruce and Patty) were already in town and helped me plan the night. Ashley and her husband Nate drove in Friday night from Washington DC. And my parents drove east from Detroit. They all gathered at the Edward's home while I learned the difference between A-line and ball gown wedding dresses.
When we pulled back into Leah's driveway at 9.30 everyone was waiting inside. When we walked in they all yelled "surprise!" Then my dad jumped out and said, "Will you marry us?"
We spent the rest of the night eating cake, opening cards, and sharing stories. And about twelve hours later Leah went to David's Bridal and bought the first wedding dress she tried on. Seriously. My fiancee gets it done!
Keep her in prayer. She's got alot more to get done over the next four and a half months. I've promised to try and be as helpful as possible while not getting in the way:) And this week I feel a bit like a kid on Christmas Eve. There's the promise of presents in the morning. I've just got to sleep through the night.
Brad,
We just couldn't be happier for you and Leah! It has been a joy to read your blog each day. Sister Clay had shared the part about saving yourself for that first kiss with me many years ago. Good for you, Brad! Leah sounds like a wonderful gal; we3 look forward to meeting her.
God Bless,
Marg & Darwin Hukill
Posted by: Marg Hukill | August 30, 2007 at 04:55 PM
That's awesome Brad! Congrats!
Posted by: Dave | August 30, 2007 at 06:03 PM
HUMONGOUS Mazel Tovs!!!! Very happy for you, Bro...and her!
Posted by: jeremy sweeten | August 30, 2007 at 06:41 PM
Brad - congratulations just doesn't seem like enough of what Tony and I feel for you guys. I totally appreciate all the story details too. You guys are so incredible - What a match made in heaven!
Posted by: Jamie Sebastian | August 30, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Two things made me laugh out loud in this post. You looking at bridal mags.....
Your dads comment.... (I can picture it perfectly)
Lots of luck in the future!!!
Posted by: Tony Sebastian | August 30, 2007 at 10:37 PM
Brad, Randy and I are so happy for you. What a great testimony of God's divine timing and plan. Maybe some day we will meet the woman who finally captured Brad Leach's heart!!! Worth the Wait indeed. love and prayers to you both. We are sincerely happy for you.
Posted by: Sue Williamson | August 31, 2007 at 08:27 AM
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you both.
Posted by: Don | August 31, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Hey Brad, Congrats buddy! Wendy and I are happty for you both!
Posted by: Nate and Wendy Elarton | August 31, 2007 at 05:36 PM
Congratulations on your engagement! I wish you and Leah all the best as you serve the Lord together.
It was nice to meet you in Indianapolis, even though it was just a brief conversation.
Posted by: Mark Ryder | September 02, 2007 at 04:39 PM
Brad - although I STILL haven't met you, I've been following your blog and I couldn't be happier that you will be my precious Leah's husband. Leah and I became close our freshman year at GCC and I've been praying for you ever since. Hope I can meet you before you walk down the aisle!!!
Posted by: Layne Hedden | September 06, 2007 at 04:55 PM
Pastor Brad and Leah,
Congratulations!!! We were all waiting for this time for you Pastor. I was sorry to have missed the announcement at church but was very excited to learn the good news. God Bless You Both on your journey together. With love and appreciation.
Posted by: Cheryl Floyd | September 08, 2007 at 07:04 PM