The Light After Darkness

Four months had pass since our first meeting and he returned so we could get married. He arrived on the 30th of July. The next day we went to US Embassy in Manila to get an authorization to wed. We were so happy because he got it. We headed for the travel agent to get our airline tickets to Legazpi. John ran into the travel agent while I waited in a taxi.

While waiting for his return, I opened my cellphone and was stunned by the messages I had received from my brother Rick. It felt like every bit of excitement and energy had left my body when I found out that MY FATHER HAD JUST PASSED AWAY. I didn't know what to say, I couldn't even open my mouth to utter a single word. Tears filled my eyes and began running down my face.

I was full of remorse during my father's wake, I regretted that I never told my father that I love him, that I appreciated everything that he did for us. I learned a lot of things when he died. I learned that we should never let hatred reign in our hearts for so long, that no matter what happens, we should always show our love to our parents/family while they're still around.

Despite of the tragedy, we still got married. My Mother said that it was what my father wanted. August of 2003 when we said our vows (civil wedding in Donsol, Sorsogon), then we tied our knot for the second time on a church wedding the next year (2004) at The Lady of the Gate Parish in Daraga, Albay. Our motif were the colors we're wearing when we first met, red and yellow.

I'm glad that I took the chance of giving us time to let our relationship blossom. I'm glad I didn't listen to the people who tried to discouraged me, who told me that "it won't work out", "that "it will just end up with tears". Now, when I look back on what I have gone through, I always thank God for giving me so much grace.

We've been married for six years now and our love is still growing stronger as each day passes. We we're blessed with two adorable and beautiful kids that we love dearly. One girl and one boy....exactly the outcome we had hoped and prayed for in our life together. Now I can say that my life is complete.

Happy Anniversary Hon! Thank you for being so loving everyday!