Yes!

That's what you said, sweet Maria, and I couldn't be more thrilled! What a magical day that was last Saturday!...

You taking very seriously your job of "grilling" David (since that was the main purpose of your visit)...The enthusiasm in your voice as you shared with us about making your first set of dentures as we were driving to the beach (with no idea what was about to happen)...The look on your face as Greg handed you the note from Gregory...Your confusion as you got to the bottom of the steps at Traps and were not getting the call Gregory's note mentioned...Your hesitancy as you headed down the rose-petal path on the beach to the "table" covered with more rose petals, stones, photos of you and Gregory, more notes and a little black box...Your look of surprise and joy as Gregory stepped out from behind the reeds (yes, I'm crying as I'm typing now)...The sight of you two sharing that intimate moment when Gregory asked you to be his wife (and us getting to view this from a distance)...You two turning to us with such joy, Gregory giving us the old fist pump, like, "Yes! I got the girl!!!"...Taylor capturing this special time...All of us hugging, jumping, talking, knowing we are getting YOU as a new addition to our family!...The rest of the evening...Eating, drinking, sharing, soaking it all in!

Maria, you are truly a gift to Gregory and to our whole family! Like I told you, I knew the moment I met you that you would someday be my daughter. I just knew! What you bring out in my son is the very best! I love how he does his little dances around you, sings around you, smiles A LOT around you, pats your head and face as he says to anyone around, "She's real!", goes to lots of baseball games and is trying to really understand it, how he leads your relationship like a man, not a little boy, how he is protective of you and wants the best for you (even if it means you can't live together for awhile after you are married), how he wants to be prepared for a long distance marriage by getting good counsel, and how he adores, cherishes and loves you!

And, precious Maria, people love you from the moment they meet you! (Have I told you how many people had the same comment after meeting you?..."She's a keeper!") I know I sure did! So much I admire and love about you! Your enthusiasm for life, your passion for Jesus, your desire to give of yourself in serving others, your dedication in dental school, the way you are so intentional in your friendships, the way you know how to give your all in your studies, yet, still give your all to Gregory, your family and your friends when you are with them, your spark, your feistiness, your energy, your gentleness, your humility, your joy, and your deep commitment to, love of and respect for my son! Really, you are the answer to this mama's prayers!

So, darling Maria, I am so excited that you and Gregory will be beginning this adventure called marriage soon! And, I will continue to pray that you both listen to the voice of your Shepherd, abide in Him, walk in His Spirit, love and respect one another daily, hug and kiss and cuddle a lot when you are together, be tender with one another, laugh often, and get ready for the completion of OMM!!!

I love you, one of my favorite young adults in the whole wide world!
Alisa