Lilian for short

October 19, 1990 was when Jay (now, the mister) asked me if I can be his girlfriend. It was the end of the first semester when we were both in 2nd year of college. We were having a meal of steamed rice and cold canned sardines in tomato sauce when he asked me.

We have been hanging out for months, and he had been really patient with me. So, why not!

I was the most temperamental teenager in my time. I was too unpredictable in a bad way.

There were times my big sister would tell on me to my mother---that I was so mean to Jay during his visit to our home. I'd get a call and an earful from my mother every time that happened.

I really think he went through a lot. Looking back, I could see him walking on eggshells for a long time.

I was cruel.

When I became a mother at 23, my fervent prayer was for my child to be not like me. I didn't want to see all my undesirable traits in her.

Thank God! He heard me.

In 2015, for the first time, he told me jokingly,

"Maldita man ka oy!" 

That meant I was bratty, naughty, bad, and mean rolled into one. Lilian for short.

I didn't defend myself or argue with him. It was the truth.

In college, there were times that he approached my friend to ask on how to deal with my meanness.

Even with his frustrations, he stuck around. It has been 28 years since we became officially a couple.

Last year, while spending the day in DC, my children talked about their best friends. Yna have Sammy. Jason have Christian.

"Pa, who's your best friend?" Human cub no. 1 asked.

"Your Mama!"



There is world peace after all!

Hihihihi!

A lot has changed. I am proud of what I have become as a mother and as a wife, and most especially as his best friend.