TO THE ONE I LOVE

My Dearest Mahal,

     Tomorrow is your 36th birthday and our 7th wedding anniversary.  And I want to share in this post on how we first met each other.

     If my memory serves me right, it was summer of 1993 when we met in Tagaytay.  We were both attending an institute for us, budding church workers.  Little did we know that friendship will also start between the two of us.  Or was it more than friendship?  Whatever it is, I am sure that it has something to do with the future.  The memories of the two of us walking on the fields of Tagaytay is still vivid to me.  Even the times when you invited us to visit your place in Alfonso, Cavite.  I think our being partners in mission exposure to Mendez UMC contributed to our fondness of each other.  Back then, you were such a sweet fine lady. taming the snob attitude in me.  Sabi mo kasi mukha akong suplado the first time you saw me.  After the institute, we went on our separate ways as friends.  And friends we remained since then.  Why?  Because I was committed that time.  I am glad that I honored my commitment then because later on, it was to you whom I will commit.  And I am praying that it will for the last time this time.

     Our love story is unusual. It can be turned into a great romance story in movies.  Our marriage is not always a bed of roses.  We have felt how painful were thorns.  Tonight, on the eve of your birthday and our wedding anniversary, I am recommitting my commitment to honor our relationship.  I will never be a perfect husband and a lover to you.  Please forgive to the many times that I hurt you.  I just would like you to know that my intentions were true  of our friendship and of our relationship.

     Forgive me for being so friendly to other people.  God knows that I am wired that way.  Forgive me when I am so busy with my work.  You had been to the same ministry and you have an idea how it is somehow.  Forgive me for not being able to give all that you need and want.  I only wish that you want and need what I am able to give.

     Thank you for holding on to our relationship.  You are such a strong person to be able to do so.  Thank you for all the learning, sweetness and support.  I keep it in my heart and cherish it the most.  Thank you for the LOVE that you have shown.  Thank you for the HEART you let me to own.

      Happy Birthday to you Mahal and Happy Wedding Anniversary  to us!  May God give you many more years to live and to love ... ME. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!  

                                                                                                                             Arnel