Note: J.C. Henderson found the engagement ring with the help of Randell Massie, certified diamontologist at Robbins Bros. in Dallas. – RB
BY LYNETTE GEORGE
HERALD DEMOCRAT
Home on leave from Camp LeJeune, the marine had just one desire this Christmas season. He hoped with all his heart that his girlfriend, Tosha Cowley, would accept the marriage proposal he planned to make. The two, both from Pottsboro, had been dating more than a year. Henderson is set to be deployed in 2007 and felt the time was right to add permanence to the relationship
I talk a lot to my roommate about Tosha,” said Henderson. “I wanted her to know that she is and will always be the only person in my life and I want to be the only person in hers.” To make the proposal even more appealing to Cowley, Henderson decided to pop the question at one of her favorite places – Holiday Lights – at Loy Park. Tosha loves Holiday Lights and made him (J.C.) take her through them about a billion times last year,” said one of the couple’s relatives.
Henderson created a “Will U Marry Me” sign from Christmas lights, activated by a remote control. He placed the surprise sign in the parking area of Frontier Village at Loy Park. His plan was to take his intended through the lights then park near his sign. At the appropriate moment, he would hit the remote switch and the question he wanted to ask would shine brightly.
He accomplished this feat with help from lots of people.
“I couldn’t have done this without help from the county, especially Johnny Waldrip,” said Henderson. “And help from our families, too.”
On Saturday night, Dec. 23, all of Henderson’s planning and all of his accomplices came together to see the result of their labor. While friends and family members stayed well out of sight, Henderson took and unsuspecting Cowley through Holiday Lights. The winder wonderland was bumper-to-bumper with youngsters, adults and even family dogs hanging out the windows of cars and trucks to get a better view of the lighted displays. Nearing the end of the drive, Henderson pulled his car out of the line of traffic and onto an empty parking area at Frontier Village. He escorted a somewhat confused Cowley out of the car then hit the remote which lit up his “Will U Marry Me” sign. Naturally, things weren’t quite perfect and the “W” lights refused to come on. But Cowley quickly got the message as Henderson got on one knee and held her hands.
Though his and her actual words couldn’t be heard, even passing Holiday Light visitors knew her answer. They cheered, clapped and offered congratulations as the young couple laughed, cried and hugged. Their exuberant family members and friends ran to join the celebration. Cameras flashed from every angle.
Henderson is set to be deployed in 2007, so the couple are waiting to set an official wedding date. In the meantime, the two will enjoy the remaining holidays together, looking forward to their bright future. And, for at least one U.S. marine, this will be a Christmas to always remember – the Christmas he got his fondest wish.
