28 years of marriage for penpals

You could say we met under rather unusual circumstances. 

It all began in 1976 when we became penpals. We wrote regularly, exchanging photos, cards and gifts except telephone numbers. So we never spoke or met. Somehow, we feared meeting lest we spoilt our ideal ‘platonic romance’ or disappoint each other as we felt we weren’t good enough for each other, given our insecurities.

During those three years, I ‘lived’ through our letters, coming alive only when I received them. I felt lonely without them. 

Right from the start, we clicked, relating to each other easily on paper.  We eagerly or impatiently awaited our mail for each letter drew us closer. While most couples whispered sweet-nothings and shared intimate moments together, we could only cling on to words which had the power to move us, to bond us.  They were a treasure to cherish, re-read and visualise. Like soulmates, we shared everything – our thoughts, feelings, hopes.  

We finally plucked enough courage to meet in 1980.  I remember feeling excited and anxious, like a schoolgirl on her first blind date. Your opening words, “Is that you, Sok Hoon?”, were forever etched in my mind.  To be able to see, hear, talk and touch each other for the very first time was an indescribable experience. He turned out to be much more than what I’d expected. A perfect gentleman. One worthy of my heart.

We hit it off really well and conversed like old friends who have not seen each other for ages. That night was heavenly. 

Since then, we spent much magical time together, discovering each other all over.  I was always on cloud nine, being with the right partner who loves me as I am and accepts me as his equal. He felt likewise.

One night he suddenly proposed, catching me by surprise. Marriage was our ultimate goal so I accepted. We wed in September 1982. And the rest, as they say, was history.

How quickly time flies. Before we knew it, we’ve been together for 28 years and celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary with our daughters. Married life is like a rollercoaster ride, thrilling during the initial years with its fun and adventure before tapering off to peace and contentment now. Our devotion and commitment is still strong, the flames of passion still
there, though not as fiery as before.    

For us, true love never dies.

Ng Sok Hoon

A poem

Still remember a year ago when I first became your “Bodyguard”, we were doing “Dance with Wolves”.

And living in “A Perfect World”,  you say I possess charisma of “Robin Hood; Prince of Thieves” and I’m your hero in our adventure of the “Water world”.

Life is a gift of love is the greatest gift to give, so everything I do, I do it for you!

No muscular body have I, but you never seem to mind. Whenever my pockets are dry; you always have cash on stand-by.

Sometimes, we may not see eye-to-eye and angry words may just fly, but after a short, short time, everything will be very fine.

Our love needs patience to survive, but my love for you will never die. Though we are unable to celebrate this day together, in my heart, everyday is Valentine’s Day for us. Thanks for the happiness you have brought to me.
 
Thinking of you inspires me to write these lines. Darling, you’re one of a kind.

Fate played its part in bringing us together. Love fills the air with joy on this special day. I’m not a musician to compose magnificent symphonies or a sculptor who could create a monument that would endure forever. I’m just one man who loves you more than anything no matter where you are, I’m always missing you!
 
Prettiest and sweetest gal ever lived – Shwe Yee. It’s again - “The Confession Day’’.
What I am going to say to you as you had heard them before, but they are certainly what I feel about you and would like to take care of you for life. Sincerely hope that this Valentine’s Day would be a special one for you, enjoy.