18 Years Into Forever

It was August 1990 when I came back home from the States, after graduating and working there for a year. Months of spoiling myself followed - with Mak’s cooking, sleeping and enjoying my worry-free days. I however had to get my feet back on the ground when I got this job in KLJ, to report duty on February 18 1991.

I remember clearly the day when I first saw him. The memory so fresh, as fresh as the air in my garden after a heavy downpour. So clear that I could actually feel and watch the episode as it unfolds itself right before my eyes.

It’s true when people say that some moments in our lives come with vibrant colors and shades. This surely is one of my mine.

It was my third day of working when I first met him. I was walking along the office aisle when I saw this unfamiliar guy walking my way. I could swear that I heard my heart thumping fast as he was approaching me. What’s happening to me, I wondered, and as I struggled to keep the beat back to its normal tempo, I failed... my heart actually skipped a beat, when our eyes locked.

He came to my cubicle, normally during the end of the lunch hours, when our co-workers were not back yet. We’d talk until the first footstep was heard, then he’d leave. We were discreet about this, especially when I was new and he certainly didn’t want his colleagues to know about this, yet.

By the fifth month, we realized that the story of a man and a woman, became the story of OURS. And so we got engaged in July 1991.

And became husband and wife today, 18 years ago.

It’s only been 18 years, but I just can’t imagine my life without him - my rock and foundation. These 18 years of going through life’s ups and downs. How we spent hours making a decision that we hoped could change our child’s life, only to realize a year later that we made the wrong one. How we comfort each other with unspoken words. How we learned to accept fate, and welcome possibilities into our minds.

And what it means to be unconditionally loved.

We learned a great deal, Dear Hubby and I, even when cryings and laughters became synonyms. I’m so blessed to have him and the six beautiful children. Syukur Alhamdulillah. And a great life to be in. A life that allows you to float in the air so freely, fly into the moonlight so pale, run towards the sunset so full of uncertanties, or simply walk on the clouds where your heart is filled with utter joy. I’ve been there. And I can be there whenever I want to, coz I know he’ll be there to hold my hands, walking this life together. Or catch me when I fall.

Abang,
Happy Anniversary! I’m so thankful to Allah for giving me you. The one who completes me. Alhamdulillah.