The test of time!

Ask anyone how long thirty years is and surely, they'll say it's a very long time. However, ask the same question to someone who has spent it wisely and undoubtedly, he/she will say it is quite short. I have spent twenty three years in the same school where I teach and believe me, it seems like it was just yesterday when I first stepped into its grounds. Sure, a lot of people have come and gone. Hundreds of students have graduated and yet, endless as they come, each one is unique that I will never tire of teaching. Twenty two years is not different from thirty, forty or even fifty years spent in a school setting. Each year poses a new challenge and as I put a conclusion on each challenge, I breathe openly and thank God I have survived.

Last Saturday, my wife received a plaque of appreciation for her thirty years of service. She also serves in the same university system I work in albeit in a different campus. She had served five presidents, worked in about four departments and had seen the whole campus grow. She had befriended a lot of people who still continues to be her friends. "Thirty years in service and yet it seems like a very short time," she said.

When she announced that she will be given a recognition in the Staff Awards, she requested that MIckey and I give an intermission number. I had other plans. Since my son had been playing with the symphony orchestra, I opted to surprise her by asking my son to request some of his friends to play with him instead. His friends acceded and one even arranged her favorite "Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig" piece for violin, viola and a clarinet. Suffice to say that my wife was ecstatic and felt very proud as she watched her son play like a pro.

As I went up the stage to pin her medal, I was proud that my wife has shown dedication to service which rings true to the way she has shown dedication to our marriage, our children and the entire household. It was like showing the world that we are a family to be trusted because we are always committed to our cause and every purpose or goal we set our minds to. I am very proud of my wife who, in spite of my eccentricities, has learned to put up with me, given me more than enough encouragement in every endeavor that I undertake. As the years progress, I have learned how dedicated she is with her mother, her children and more importantly, to me. As a lover, she is a hopeless romantic. Read this to see my point. You'll love the story. No medal or any award would have been sufficient accolade to this woman I love and will love for ever until kingdom come and beyond.