“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.” – Henry Van Dyke

GRAND CENTRAL STATION, NY – Luke was no good at surprising Nicolina. She knew it. He knew it. That’s just the way it was. Until the day Luke decided that he would orchestrate a surprise so magnificent it would render Nicolina speechless. This is their story…

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10:35am: “Alright we’re going to be getting there around 2:20 to “catch” the 2:34. I’ll keep you posted…” the text message read.

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With the support of Daniel Bruker, media relations officer for the MTA, Luke was able to hide his specially marked envelop inside the central information booth overnight (printed on MTA letterhead). The on-duty information clerk was briefed and advised to wait for a signal from the Station Master’s office.

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1:47pm: Photographer Catalina Kulczar-Marin and myself arrive at the Station Masters Office.

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1:50pm: We are greeted by MTA employees Audry and Sasha. “Who’s idea was this?” Asks Audry curiously. “it was all his idea!” I reply. Seeing her beaming smile, I inwardly I wish more men would invest this level of consideration when planning their engagement. Trust me, women do notice!

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1:53pm: I look up at the overhead clock and wonder why time seems to pass more quickly during a proposal. I am reminded of Einstein’s quote explaining his theory of relativity, “Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. THAT’S relativity.” Every minute counts when anticipating a proposal and you can literally FEEL it.

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2:05pm: Catalina and I reconvene underneath the four-faced opal clock and continue reviewing the action plan for the moments ahead.

2:18pm: The telltale jingle of “marimba” cries out from my iPhone…Luke is calling. I pick up. He does not answer. This is the signal. I motion Catalina to alert Sasha at the Station Masters Office.

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Above Photograph by Catalina Kulczar-Marin

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2:19pm: “Nicolina, Please report immediately to the central information booth for an important message. Nicolina, Please report immediately to the central information booth for an important message.” repeated Sasha on the PA system.

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Nicolina exchanges quizzical glances with Luke then makes her way towards the central information booth.

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Her expression conveyed confusion and a dash of agitation. After all, she and Luke had a 2:34 train to catch! “are you Nicolina?” asked on of the on-duty clerks. Hearing her confirmation, the gentleman’s aspect softened. A fatherly warmth registers in his eyes as he carefully hands Nicolina the envelope.

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Nicolina opened the letter and poured over its contents. Her eyes scanned the page as she voiced each word aloud. Luke to lowered himself  to one knee…

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Beneath her fine woolen cap, Nicolina’s eyes widened with surprise and then understanding.

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Weeks of planning were distilled into these brief moments; lasting less than 5 minutes and worth more than most hours. This is the relativity of time as it relates to engagement and wedding celebrations.

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To Nicolina’s further surprise, Luke had correctly sized the engagement ring to fit.

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A halo of observant commuters stop to enjoy the scene. Further proof that acts of love give us all a moment for pause. My work is about engagement; being alert and present to these remarkable moments of vulnerability. Making time to better plan and cultivate these results is essential. The very idea a wedding proposal with this level of care and mindfulness is a testament to Luke’s commitment. Many men can and should learn from his example of risk, vulnerability, sacrifice and ultimately….reward.

P.S. Special thanks to Amber Knowles for recommending that Luke contact me. Also, a huge shout out to the awesome people over at the Station Masters Office of Grand Central Terminal. None of this would have been possible without their support.