Happy Anniversary, Love.

- You are my heart, my soul, my inspiration. ("You" by the Carpenters)
- The way you look at me, the way you say my name...the simple things are free. ("Simple Things" by Jim Brickman)
- You're the answer when I prayed I would find someone. ("The Gift" by Jim Brickman)
- What attracted you to me was so unexpected. ("You" by Jim Brickman)
- Everything I do always takes me home to you. ("Whenever I Call You Friend" by Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks)

This month, Eben and I are celebrating 13 amazing years of marriage. So here is a list of thirteen of the many wonderful things I have experienced as Eben’s wife:

1. He never demanded my submission; instead, his love won it over.

2. He revolutionized that part of my life that had to do with how I viewed men before I met him:

- growing up I was surrounded by men who said yes but meant no, who promised promises that were broken; but his integrity restored my heart to trust
- the loving husband I only read about in fiction became reality
- the gentle, caring, and faithful father I could only dream of came to life in the form of Kez & John’s Dad

3. To help out a friend, he would not bend the rules; he would prayerfully figure out a way to see them through.

4. This might just be me, but the first time I saw him at his work back when we were engaged, I remember thinking I was glad he wasn’t my boss (too serious!); but his focus and resolve to do a job well done can’t be disrupted by the goings-on around him – he can be all business, but he has a genuine concern for his colleagues.

5. The most complicated things can become so simple when he gives me his point of view about them.

6. I never knew what patience was until I met him.

7. He taught me humility – he never felt a need to have to prove anything to anybody.

8. He prays…has private conversations with a Father in heaven who is so real to him.

9. He knows how to sincerely honor others.

10. He’s a rare find - during the time of our engagement I was the envy of many (had to deal with the fact that girls cried when they found out “Kuya” Eben was engaged, one even wrote a letter, and others said I was so “lucky” to have him – they still do). I still notice a change of tone and look when a lady I am speaking with turns from speaking to me to speak to him – in person or by phone.

11. He’s always been gentle with me…except when the kids and I are wrestling with him.

12. My mom always reminds me, “ang bait ng asawa mo. Huwag mong aabusuhin!” (“Your husband is so kind. Don’t ever take advantage of him!”) You know whose side she’d take should Eben and I have a big fight.

13. He brings out the best in me.


A song for my Honey...

YOU

(Fm Jim Brickman's Love Songs and Lullabies Featuring Jane Krakowski)

I never felt alone, I was happy on my own.
And who would ever know there was something missing?
I guess I didn't see the possibility, it was waiting all the time,
But it never crossed my mind, till you opened up my eyes.

Now all I think about is you, in my life, in my dreams,
In my heart I know it's true that I belong with you.
Because of you in my world, in my arms, I have everything
And now I can't imagine what I'd do without you.

I never thought that love would be such a curiousity.
What attracted you to me was so unexpected,
But it was waiting all the time and it never
Crossed my mind, till you opened up my eyes.

Now, all I think about is you, in my life, in my dreams,
In my heart I know it's true, that I belong with you.
Because of you in my world, in my arms, I have everything
And now I can't imagine what I'd do without you.

You, in my life, in my dreams, in my heart,
I know it's true that I belong with you.
Because of you in my world, in my arms, I have everything
And now I can't imagine what I'd do.

Without you, in my life, in my dreams,
In my heart I know it's true, that I belong with you.
Because of you in my world, in my arms, I have everything
And now I can't imagine what I'd do.
I can't imagine what i'd do… Without you...