Every year, on Valentine’s, the hubs would do something to surprise me – sometimes it’s a bouquet of flowers to the office, sometimes a nice handwritten card, other years just some couple time out to a movie we both enjoy. This year, there was none of those. Instead, he posted an unexpected tribute to me on Facebook. It’s not an extravagant gesture but it warmed my heart to know he devoted some time to think about the sacrifices I’ve made for him (and for the family); and that for once, he was willing to put me as a priority over his precious princess for one day. 

For a couple has been together for 16 years (married for 14), I can only thank God for sustaining our marriage and blessing me with a Godly, faithful husband. Yes, we have our fair share of petty quarrels and big fights (and we survived three child-losses) but through it all, he stood by my side and love me more than I do myself.  So indulge me a little as I re-post his tribute here as a beautiful page added to romance that first brought us together.  He posted a total of ten reasons (one each on the hour, from 9am to 6pm), keeping me in anticipation to his next post throughout the day. Isn’t he creative?

How Do I Love Thee? Let me count the ways… (A Tribute to my wife on Valentine’s Day): 

Number 10: I drive, she commutes – my work demands that I start at 7am and end by 7pm so I take the car for convenience but at the expense of my wife who has to commute with the rest of the world. It’s easy for me to rationalize but going thru it, it’s a different experience. I love you Angeline Sim for making this daily sacrifice…again and again…

How Do I Love Thee…Let me count the ways: Number 9: Fighting corporate battles – It’s not cheap to live comfortably in Singapore and to provide for the family. I love you Angeline Sim, for balancing work and helping to provide for the home.

How Do I Love Thee…Let me count the ways: Number 7: Raising children is a great responsibility. Amidst juggling all her commitment at work and home, I love my wife Angeline Sim for ensuring that Dana is meaningfully occupied and engaged with home-made crafts and plenty of learning opportunities to acquire skills, knowledge and build character.

 
How Do I Love Thee…Let me count the ways: Number 6: I think I would be be crazy if I were to walk in her shoes for 1 day.  What’s amazing in the midst of it is that my wife squeezes in time to pursue her love for baking…and guess who’s the beneficiary? I love you Angeline Sim.

How Do I Love Thee…Let me count the ways: Number 5: Shame on me: Not many people know, I actually have more pair of shoes than my wife! Not that I have a fetish, just that I love my wife Angeline Sim for her thrifty ways. She rarely spends on herself if at all. Often saving the money for the family and for more meaningful pursuits that would last far longer than any shoe or bag.

How Do I Love Thee…Let me count the ways: Number 4: Obliging the hubby (me!). I hate shopping – she knows it and very often bears with me. I love you Angeline Sim for those times I made you do shopping ‘Commando’ style (i.e. Go in…get the item…and leave…).  All these, within the carpark’s grace period.

How Do I Love Thee…Let me count the ways : Number 3: I love my wife Angeline Sim, for sharing the same passion of travelling and seeing the world – often forsaking mindless shopping trips for walks on pristine beaches, visiting ancient sites, discovering the richness of life through different cultures and heritages. 

How Do I Love Thee…Let me count the ways: Number 2: At the end of each work day, I love my wife Angeline Sim for juggling with buying heavy groceries…managing the helper…occupying the daughter…replying work emails and yet never failing to put a warm meal right in front of me. Wonder woman is not a fictional character.

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