17 years ago today, I gave up my single status and added Tan to my name. I can still remember my mother's screech of skepticism when I told her that her youngest daughter was getting married! Mom was like, 'Are you sure? Who is the groom????'. You see, my then to be husband had met my mom only once and there was no entourage to ask for my hand or discuss the whole rigamarole of the wedding scene.
I could have told Mom that I was moving to Timbuktu and she'd not bat an eyelid and tell me to take care. The news of my impending civil registry was like a shock to her as I had vowed I wasn't the marrying kind. Mom's next question was laughable but understandable! She asked, 'You are not pregnant are you? Is that the reason for the speedy marriage?'. I assured Mom that wasn't the reason and that I love the man I was marrying. I could hear Mom crying and asked her why. She told me it was the best news I had ever told her! She then proceeded to chew my ears off for not having a church wedding, the works! Told her that we had planned to have the ceremony and dinner in February 1992 when we had saved enough to buy a house. Sadly, Mom returned to her Maker in December 1991. I never had the opportunity to go through the tea ceremony with Mom and till today it rankles.
When we got married on August 14 1990, many of our colleagues were skeptical about the marriage lasting. Some smart aleck then betted that we'd end up in the divorce courts within a year of our marriage! Well Kelvin, eat your heart out! We are still married 17 years down the road and still crazy in love with each other! Now with our beautiful daughter, we are even happier.
I can only thank and offer praises to my Lord God for giving me such a wonderful, understanding, beautiful and loving man to be mine. He may not look like Brad Pitt or have the muscular body of Jean Claude Van Damme! He has a big pot belly (which he blames on my cooking!) and is 20kgs overweight, who cares? I love him for who he is, for the love he has given me unconditionally and for not seeing my physical handicap (left leg shorter due to polio). He loves me for who and what I am! He accepts my faults and short temper (says it keeps our love alive!) and always is there to hold me when I need him. He showers me with so much love and indulges me in my love of reading, music and watch collecting. What more can I ask for?
To my better half, the man of my life, my one true love, Eddie, I love you and thanks darling for all the wonderful memories as well the camaderie we share in our difficult times. You are my rock, the centre of my universe. I am looking forward to growing old and grey, losing my teeth and still have you hold my hands and shout sweet nothings in my almost deaf ear when we are 80!
