Ryals - Stewart Wedding:The Proposal

They had been dating for a little more than three years. It was early in 2002 and Randy was interested in doing something ceremonially significant for the upcoming “Big 5- 0”. He settled on “50 / 50 / 50” - 50 holes of golf in the 50th state on his 50th birthday. And since his birthday was on November 8 it was especially gratifying to know that Alaska beat Hawaii into the Union as the 49th!

He had a trip planned to Oregon in the spring to visit his children . While there he decided to purchase the engagement ring. It wasn’t easy to keep it hidden from Deb for close to 6 months!

As they planned the Hawaii 50/50/50 trip, it was with great anticipation - and concern.. How would he conceal the ring? Wearing it while going through airport security, hiding it in luggage in Hawaii, holding it in his pocket for 36 holes and getting it unnoticed into the glove pocket of his golf bag prior to playing the Village course at Kapalua on Maui was the answer. He HOPED he was being a “clever, clever man”. < wink >

From the first tee shot to the last putt it had gone well. “It’s number 50! We did it!”, cried Deb as they arrived at the 14th—his 50th—on the Village. When the last putt fell, she was relieved but when he said “There’s still some daylight left, let’s keep playing!”, she thought he was nuts. “I need a fresh glove”, he said.. “Reach into my glove pocket, please, and bring it to me?” When she started bringing him a new glove, he had to chuckle and direct her to the ring! “Randy!!” “Will you marry me?” “YES!” came the reply. It had been a magical day …and the day was now complete…….