The Story

I have a GREAT story, folks!! I typed out this email to my brother on his mission, so rather than type THE STORY, I pulled a copy/paste.


Hey Hermano (Think Arrested Development, and imagine me giving you a lame backrub with a hook for a hand),


So, I'm in Ohio, actually writing you from Justen's aunt's computer in Circleville, OH. Her name is Debbie, and she's the one I was in Ireland with. We're heading to The Pumpkin Show. It' a big deal here, like a carnival or something. Ok, I'm just stalling, trying to sound nonchalant...


I'M ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!


JUSTEN PROPOSED!!!!!!!!!!!


Last night, I got off the plane in Columbus around midnight and Justen was waiting for me at the end of the gate outside security, like usual. We hugged, kissed, whatever, and started walking to the car. He started shaking and stumbled a little, and I asked if he was okay. He said his vision got blurry, and then he was REALLY shaking. In my head, I'm thinking "He's gonna faint!" I said, okay, put my suicase down, let's stop for a minute. We stop in the main terminal area, and he stands in front of me. I can't remember what he said exactly, all I remember is him slowly going down on one knee and pulling out a ring box. He asked if I would marry him and I just started BAWLING! I was laughing, crying, shaking, and basically losing it! He stood up and hugged me, and then said "Is that a yes?" He put the ring on, and then I notice there's someone taking pictures. Justen's friend, Clint, came along and hid until he saw Justen go down on one knee, then started taking pictures.


I kind of yelled at Justen, he gave me no warning! I was wearing a crappy MU sweatshirt, I have a new zit, and I didn't have any lotion on my hands! I was totally unprepared! I had no idea! He just laughed, I guess he's had his planned for awhile. His WHOLE family knew, and since he asked Dad's permission last week, I guess our family knew too. He asked Dad, and then Dad called and told me, but Justen still doesn't know that part. Maybe someday I'll tell him that my dad told me Justen asked for my hand in marriage. But, I didn't think the proposal would come so soon, especially since he kept saying "you gotta have a ring to propose." Apparently he had the ring!!!!!


So, it's official, and it's wonderful, and I couldn't wait to tell you! The first person I called was mom, and since she's in Dallas with Cason she didn't answer! It was pretty late, it would've been after 11:30 her time. I called at least 3 times and finally just left her a message. I said "You're missing this! I'm engaged and you're just sleeping like it's no big deal!" I called Dad next, he's in St. Louis for a gun show, but for some reason he was awake still! He sounded happy and like he teared up a little bit. He said he's happy to have another son. A proud father with 6 sons!


I called Melanie next, and she didn't answer, of course, so I left her a message saying something important happened, but I wanted to tell her rather than text her. She eventually called me back super early this morning, and I had already sent her a picture of the ring via text, so she knew.


I called Britney next, as I will always consider her my sister, and she was excited for me. I called gramma, she was pretty worn out but was excited! I emailed Jake, and he called me back and we talked for awhile. He'll be back in Missouri for Thanksgiving AND Christmas! And he asked if Justen understood that even though I'm moving to Ohio, I am still obligated to come back to Missouri every time he comes home from China. I laughed, like I would miss that!!!


I sent a text to Sam, Tom, and Caleb, and Sam & Caleb texted me back immediately. Sam said "congrats" and Caleb said "what'd you say?" LOL I was reading these to Justen and I commented that Tommy hadn't text me back yet, that turkey, and he needs to stop making out with girls and text me back! Right then the phone rang and it was Tommy! He was, of course, on a date, but called to say congrats. Wahoo! He said he'll call me tomorrow as they were about to "start a movie," aka, making out.


After that we got to his house and his mom waited up, she gave me a big hug! Then I sent out TONS of text messages with pictures of the ring. For some reason, my facebook page won't let people write on my wall. I'm glad though, I want it to just be in our family and close friends for awhile. I'll announce it on facebook eventually...


So, that's the LONG story of the proposal. Wahoo! I'm engaged!


Sure love you, brother! Hope you have a great day at the MTC! I'll send you pictures next week when I get back to Missouri. Hope I didn't bore you too much.


Keep working hard, study, pray, all that jazz.

Brianne Johnsen Castle.


I'M ENGAGED!!!!!!