I was sitting in our lounge, waiting for my husband to finish his second dinner (yes, you read that right), scrolling through old messages we exchanged on Messenger back in 2010. We were in a long-distance relationship (LDR) for two years, so there were plenty of back-and-forth messages to revisit.
I came across a message he sent me a year into our LDR:
Me: “You’re still so sweet, you haven’t changed.”
Him: “Huh? What are you talking about?”
Me: “This message you sent me in 2010:
‘I dreamt that we were together already, working at the same place. Our salaries were big, and we had a house and everything. I wish it wasn’t just a dream. I want it to be real so badly. Even if just the part where we’re together comes true. We can work on everything else together. I have faith we can achieve great things because we have each other.'”
When I turned around, my husband was no longer at the dining table. He had rushed over, hugged me tightly, and started crying. I couldn’t help but cry too. With that one message, I was reminded of how far we’ve come.
In our 15 years together, we’ve been through so much. When I first migrated, life wasn’t easy. We started with low-paying jobs as we were just beginning our careers. We moved into a new place with only a mattress and a cardboard box as our dining table, saving every penny we could. It was tough, but it felt easier because we had each other. Whenever one of us felt discouraged, we reminded ourselves that we used to dream of simply being in the same space. Now, we’re together, supporting each other through life. Giving up isn’t an option because success is always just around the corner.
We started with nothing but dreams, and now, we’re slowly making each of them a reality.
I’m so grateful I chose well. My husband is an incredible blessing to our family. He is kind, patient, hardworking, a good provider, my calm in every storm, and a wonderful father. Choosing your partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make in life, and I’m glad I made the right one.
That night, we cried together for a good five minutes. We talked about how easy it is to forget to be grateful and how often we take little things for granted. It felt amazing to be embraced by his strong arms—the same arms that gave me security when times were tough and continue to do so when life is good. He is my rock.
