Tuesday, February 26, 2013

February~*

I couldn’t believe that February is almost over and I can’t believe that I waited this long to write this post. February holds a very special place in my life. It translates a significant life event, a goodbye, a major life transition, a celebration of love and much more.
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For one, my life forever changed 9 years ago. Back on February 8th of 2004, I tied the knot with the man I love. The man who traveled over 30,000 miles from another side of the earth back and forth…back and forth for two years until the day we joined hands in marriage. We have been physically together ever since.
 
This year marks our 9th year together as husband and wife. Life is not always as smooth and dreamy. We have gone through the highest and lowest points in our marriage. There are tears…frustrations…fears….laughters… happiness and disappointment along our road. Day by day, our relationship has matured and grown into something much more meaningful than the early days we met. It is not the most exciting feeling like having butterflies in your stomach but it is rather a calm..relaxing..comforting and assuring feeling knowing that you have this person by your side as your lifetime friend.
 
Secondly, February 12th of the same year remarked another significant transition in my life. It was the day I left my family and my home country. I can never forget those feelings. The night before my departure to the US, a group of my girlfriends got together and came by the house to give me a farewell goodbye. All suitcases were packed and ready to go. Everyone pretended or at least tried to make it a fun time despite the fact that everyone one was hiding their tears. I asked that no one said goodbye but rather used a “see you again soon” phase as it sounded much more positive and comforting. We ended that night with no tears. The next morning my family and close relatives took my husband, his parents and me to the airport.
 
It was very hard to hold those tears and emotions inside but it would be best not to show them. However, I could not help and end up bursting into tears when I hugged my dad..my mom and my brothers. My voice was constantly shaking while I tried to speak. My mom began to weep. It was heartbreaking. I remember crying all my way to board an airplane. When the plane took off, I bursted into tears once more thinking that this was going to be a trip of a lifetime. It was time to say goodbye to my motherland and everything I had and knew. It is not an exciting feeling as you are going for vacation but it is rather depressing and scary for the fact that that you are leaving your country to live in a land of unknown and a future that is unforeseen.
 
February 2004, I began my new life and new role in a new country. Depression, home sick and culture shock – you name it. I have experienced it all and beyond in my early years. Over years I have grown to be more responsible and learn to be a real adult when I live far away from my parents. It is not easy but it has to be done.
 
Fast forward to now, nine years later, I often think about how far I have come when February rolls around year after year. I questioned myself where would I be if I didn’t meet my husband…where would I be if we didn’t get married..what would I do…and more. Everything happens for a reason and it really is up to us to grab that chance or let it go. Life is really full of surprises and you just never know where life will take you. This February, I start a new journey to follow my passion. Not that I intentionally chose this month but the timing was right and I felt I was ready to embark a journey. Can’t wait to see what the future holds.

5 comments:

  1. oh nelah! i have so much love and respect for you. i already admired you, but after reading this you are the epitome of a strong woman. i couldn't even imagine experiencing what you did. your faith is strong. it speaks volumes of who you are as a person and also your parents. happy anniversary doll! your husband is a winner and so are you. he loves you very much. nelah, i know this is private, but have you ever thought of writing a memoir about your experience? it would be an inspiration for many. thanks for sharing your story ((hug))
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  2. It's incredible to hear about all the challenges you've overcome in these 9 years and with how far you've come, I hope that so many more wonderful things will go your way Nelah! Kim is right, you are an inspiration. Happy anniversary to you and your husband! I was also a February bride and we celebrated our 11th anniversary on February 1st :)

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  3. Wow. Many happy wishes on anniversaries marking significant benchmarks in your life! Here's to many more happy days and also strength to overcome challenges! Happy anniversary!

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  4. New journey? Are you offered a chef position? Are your PREGNANT?!! LOL! Ok, jokes aside, Happy Anniversary to you and hubby. I'm sure marriage is not a fairy tale. It actually gets harder as years go by because you constantly need to keep the fire burning. It's not like initially when chemistry and fireworks and butterflies come into play =D I respect your strength and perseverance. I wish the best to both of you and more anniversaries to come!
    See....my bf will never go through such emotions when he leave to another land. He's a travelling gypsy and able to live out of his suitcase. As for me, I would pretty much go through the same thing like you.

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  5. I really love reading heartfelt posts like this coz it allows me to know a lot more about you. February does hold lots of deeply ingrained memories for you. Leaving your home country, your family, loved ones and friends is certainly not an easy process and to hold back the feelings too.

    I am late but no doubt happy anniversary to you and your hubby!

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