Seven years into our marriage, eight years of togetherness, really, if you will count the one year we were a couple, or even fifteen years if we will consider the time we were introduced to each other, I really thought there was nothing to be surprised about.

Even if we know we love each other, there are just so many things that can get in the way. Our jobs that take their toll on us, the responsibilities we have to be mindful of, the bills that need to be paid, the kids.

Not many know that before we got married, there was no romantic proposal whatsoever that would sweep me off my feet and cause me to say yes to you. There was nothing like that because thinking about it, you offered more than that. You offered me the assurance of a love that would last a lifetime. Yes, that life would not be without its own ups and downs, hits and misses and what-have-yous, but then, those things, without us knowing, would actually toughen and prepare us for this lifetime of togetherness.

Truth is, when I woke up this morning to your kisses, I just thought that those were the only things I would get from you. Kisses. I guess I had already forgotten how valuable those kisses are. I had already forgotten because I was too busy thinking of roses and cards and well, maybe, chocolates, even, that I wouldn’t be getting from you. Silly, right?

However, all those changed this morning. At a time when I really believed you didn’t have it in you to surprise me anymore, you changed that big time.

I didn’t have an inkling of what would happen in the auditorium. Apart from being asked to go there to meet my bestfriend who I thought was really there to do an ocular inspection of the place, there was nothing else in my mind.

When I was asked to sit in front to wait for my friend who I really thought just went out of the room, I heard a most familiar sound, and the melody of what would prove to be the most beautiful song ever written. When I asked what it was, I was told that they were “sound-checking.”

But when you finally came out of the stage holding a microphone, I realized I wasn’t looking at something ordinary. You know how it has been with me complaining you never sing for me, right? I mean, you have a magnificent voice and I just sometimes longed for you to sing to me, just like you did when we were wed. I realized this morning that that has changed forever. You did not just sing for me, you wrote that song for me. How can someone be that lucky, huh?

I wanted to record a video of you singing that song with all your heart, with that beautiful, wonderful voice of yours, but how could I when I couldn’t anymore hold my phone properly because I was also busily brushing away tears. Even now as I write this, I still brush away tears, happy tears. (and btw, the roses have arrived. )

I felt your love in your song…but moreso because I realized how much effort you put into it, having it arranged by our friend, rehearsing it without my knowledge, watching me day by day knowing you have something up your sleeve and not letting me know about it, asking my friends here at work to help you stage that wonderful concert just for me…I could only cry happy tears because of them.

When the song ended, and I collapsed in your arms, I hope you know that those tears which wouldn’t let up, were simply tears of joy because I realized that I am so much loved by you.

Thank you, dad, for opening up my eyes yet again to the many wonderful reasons why we are here together. (I realized, I’ve used wonderful a couple of times. Never mind that. I just feel, well, wonderful and loved, after all.) Forgive me if I don’t get to appreciate your efforts all the time. I am imperfect, you see. You are just magnanimous enough to see me otherwise.

And yes, I also believe that all your life it has always been me just as I know in my heart it really has always been you, too. If all these are not yet enough, I also want you to know that I love you.

I tweeted about this morning’s “show” but those who might have seen it might not have understood at all. I just said there that this is the best Valentine’s Day ever and that it was my husband, Bong, who made it all possible. He really did surprise me big time. To those who don’t know him, he is a superb singer. He sings in weddings (*wink* *wink*), and he composes songs. I know he has been longing to go back to composing songs but things happened. Our family happened, and he has less time for that, as a result. But this morning, with the help of my friends at work, he showed me again what a beautiful gift he has which I hope he will get to nurture some more.

Oh, and I hope, that like me, you are also having a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

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