I’m writing this column on Valentine’s Day and I am reminded of the very first Valentine’s card I ever sent to a man when I was sixteen years old. Instead of buying a ready-made card from the bookstore, I bought a red cartolina, a yard of white dainty lace and spent the whole night creating a Valentine’s card. It was a labor of love although I tried to hide my feelings through what I thought was a simple line, “Happy Valentine’s from someone who cares.” I placed it in an envelope and hid it in-between the pages of my book. I went to school the following morning and who would I see waiting for me at the bus stop? Winlove Cudal. As he said, “Hi there”, I inserted the card in his notebook, too embarrassed to even hand the envelope to him directly.
I thought that the simple Valentine’s card would just be what it was, a simple greeting to mark Valentine’s Day. I was mistaken. The recipient believed it was a subtle reciprocation of love. I unknowingly kindled the flame of love that would keep on burning for fifty seven years and beyond. I had started a relationship which I did not expect to happen so early in my life.
Anyway, that was a long time ago. Now, we are at the sunset of our lives but we can still recall how we celebrated Valentine’s Day from then on. There was always something special to say those three little words, “I love you.” Then when our seven children were growing up, we would take them to eat out in some fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day. It was a special family day, a day of love.
Our relationship has grown deeper with the passing of days. The joys that we shared and the challenges that we faced as a couple, then as parents, then again these days, has strengthened our relationship. How blessed I am as a woman, as a wife, as a mother of seven children, even as a grandmother of twenty lovable grandchildren. It was love, pure love which made all these things possible in our lives.
I thank my husband for being what 1 Corinthians 13 speaks about. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.
Today is our 57th Valentine’s Day together. We are both ensconced in each other's lives. It seems that we have reached that stage of togetherness when a mere gesture becomes a loving sign of need, and a smile, a welcome sign of approval. In an unkind world where some people try to destroy your character and integrity, being with the man you love and who loves you in return, gives you the strength, the courage, and the confidence to stand tall and be proud of who you are. A good husband is your protector and shield, and your compass leading you towards the direction of a good, happy and purposeful life.