28th

A tiny growling sound came from her stomach, followed by a slight cramp. She can feel the symptoms of gastric coming up. With a sigh, she quickly got out of bed and reached for a glass of water on the bedside table. Ever since that surgery, her digestive system had gotten weaker. She had to eat her daily three meals right on time, which also means that she could not risk sleeping in on weekends when breakfast must be taken at eight o'clock, sharp.  She finished the drink in one gulp, placed the glass gently, and tiptoed across the room. 

A pink envelope sat quietly on the dressing table. Across the envelope, the soft and gentle handwriting of her husband spelt out her name. Delighted, she pushed back the curtains to allow a little ray of sunshine and pulled out the neatly folded letter. Right there, accompanied by the rhythmic snoring of her husband, and with just the right touch of sunlight, she began silently reading the letter:

Dear,

Today is your 28th birthday! Are you happy? Or do you have mixed-up feelings? What is your biggest wish this year? I guess that your biggest wish is to have a child of your own.  No matter the outcome or circumstances, we can still have a happy life together. Please do not be too stressed about it as there are many things in life that we can't control. We just have to face the challenges in an optimistic way. But still, I truly do hope that your wish will come true, as that will definitely be the best gift for you and me. Lastly, I wish you peace and happiness in your everyday life, and may good health surround you always. I love you!

From

Your Husband

Her eyes clouded with tears at the word "child". Tears streamed down her cheeks as she read the 3 letter words. I love you, simple and easy words that people often take for granted, but they meant so much for a young couple weathering storms in their marriage. Just two days ago, she had gone for a routine check-up at the hospital. The doctor consulted her latest blood test and informed her that her body is still not ready. "If you're sad, you can cry, it's okay", she thought to herself. But of course, no tears came, as she was already numb to the routine checkups, continuous disappointments, and constant heartache. 

It was not her first time anyway. She recalled hearing the doctor's diagnosis of her condition when they first went to the hospital for professional advice. "It is rare", the doctor said, "perhaps 1 out of 10 women".  After hearing the diagnosis, they faced the giant head-on, with great perseverance and optimism. For 2 years, they went in and out of hospitals, and she had 3 minor surgeries. Their hard-earned money, they spent all on consultations, medications, and supplements. Even though they were optimistic in the first place, constant battling began to wear them out. How much longer? Will there be an end to this? Or will there never be an end? How ironic it is, that couples who are not prepared to have a new family member, or never wanted to have children, always ended up with one, two, or more, while couples who really long for one never have any.   

She remembered asking for a divorce, not because she doesn't love him, but because she loves him too much that she did not want him to bear the consequences with her. Also, deep down, she was afraid that he will no longer love her for her flaws. Despite it all, her husband never left her side. He was always quick and firm in reassuring her, telling her over and over again, I love you, I love you, I love you. 

She rubbed her tears and some of her snot on her dressing gown's sleeve and crawled back into bed, leaning against his arm.  " I read your letter and I like it", she whispered, receiving a grunt in return. He was still trying to sleep in. "I also saw the skin care products you bought. Why didn't you ask me before buying it? How much does it cost?", she continued, feeling happy and also a little annoyed at the same time. Money is hard to come by these days, especially when you have to make constant trips to the hospital. Two weeks ago, he had paid for a dress that she like and mentioned that the dress will be her early birthday gift. And last week, he paid for some books, also saying those are her birthday gifts. And and and the car petrol, the groceries, the extra "allowance", the nice meals at the cafes--those were birthday gifts too, so he said. 

"Aaaarghhh....just take it! Can you let me sleep?", he yelled in mocked frustration.

"Alright! Thank you!", she replied with a grin and tiptoed out of the room. There in the living room, she snuggled against the sofa, and started replying to those warm birthday wishes from her family and friends--a reminder of the people she loves and the people who love her, they are the ones who kept her going. 

But oh wait! Before she rushes into the day, she needs to pray. She quickly set her phone aside, and with her eyes closed, hands folded, she prayed:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you for another wonderful day.
Your mercy, your grace, and your faithfulness, they are new every morning.
Thank you for the blessings, whether seen or unseen. 

Thank you for your strength, it kept me going through tough times.

Thank you for giving me a lovely family, a lovely husband, and sincere friends.

I pray that you can continue to protect them and guide them in their daily lives,

and for those who do not know you yet, 

I pray that your love will touch their hearts someday.

In Jesus' name, I pray, 
Amen. 

***Based on a true story

***She will tell when she's ready

*** Or she might never tell