Comment # 15 from post 9.23.07 (You Amaze Me Steve)

Anonymous said...

I did not go to the Philippines in 1992 with any intention nor expectation of finding a girlfriend, let alone a wife. I first spotted her on the tennis courts and the physical attraction was instant. For many days after, I would bring my notes to the tennis courts under the auspices of studying- though i in fact was studying her. The fact that she introduced me to her "boyfriend" to throw me off her scent was a temporary setback-her cover was blown by a few of my filipino basketball buddies over quite a few San Miguel beers. An awkward, hurried courtship ensued (I only had a few weeks left in the country)-I will spare you the embarrassing details. I went back to the states and graduated from school then came back for a month. She still wasn't sure about us. I came back and applied for a fiance visa. 6 months later her visa was expiring and it was sh-- or get off the pot time. Thank God she decided to sh--.
In retrospect, we probably went way too fast. Neither of us really knew the other well enough to make such a momentous commitment. We both were not emotionally recovered from our previous relationships. It could have been a disaster. For me, it became the best decision I ever made in my life. I swore I would never get involved in her "blog life"- but I am writing here because I know how much it would mean to her.
I am thankful for every day that we have spent together. You may disagree, but I truly believe that having you in my life, watching how you conduct yourself and treat others, has made me a better person.(keeping in mind the limitations of my own, very flawed personality). I admire your ability to make and keep life-long friendships. I recognize and appreciate the fact that 99% of our social life is because you are so likable, that I become tolerable. You have given so much more to me in this marriage than I will ever be able to return to you. Your maternal instincts are unmatched, and there is no doubt in my mind that because of you no matter what they do with their lives they will grow up to be kind, caring adults. Nothing is more important to me than that and I cannot take much, if any, credit for that.
Lastly, and probably least important, you remain as beautiful to me as you did the first day I saw you 15 years ago. I at times am self-conscious that you look so much younger than me- but at the same time it is a great source of pride. It is your inner beauty, though, that really makes you a special person to me and everyone who knows you.
Chesca, thank you for tolerating me for 14 years. Happy anniversary. I Love you.

Steve


ps to blogosphere: you'll never hear from me again.

9/24/07 8:49 PM