Because She Believes In Me
First, I met Ann back in late 2015 or maybe it was early 2016; it was the December – January time-frame. I remember that we chatted a little, but I wasn’t really interested in a relationship, much less a long-distance one. So I kept my distance because she is from the Philippines and I am from the U.S. – the opposite sides of the planet. But Because She Believes In Me, we kept talking almost every day.
She saw the best in me…
Secondly, I was still picking up the pieces of my life when I met her. So like I said, I kept my distance for a number of reasons. I know for sure that I didn’t think I was ready for a relationship and I was doubly convinced that I didn’t deserve one. But she kept our lines of communication open anyway.
I’ve been waiting, for a girl like you
So regardless of how aloof I was initially, within a few days or maybe it was a week or so, we started talking every day. Ann will tell you that I stalked her, but the truth is that she was extremely patient with me. No matter how hard I resisted opening up to her and letting her in, she never gave up on me.
As a result, we talked every day for several months, without fail. I found myself thinking about her all the time, unable to concentrate on anything much less work. And the few times that we didn’t chat for a day, I found myself wondering where she was and if she was OK.
Regardless, I’m not sure how or when it happened, but I couldn’t wait to talk to her again. I spent my days at work and nights all alone at home, looking forward to the next time I could hear her sweet voice. So by mid-March 2016, I had to see her again and I began planning my first trip to the Philippine Islands.
Because She Believes In Me, I had to ask…
Skipping ahead, my plans became a reality when we met in Manila in June of that same year. Since we started planning, I knew in my heart as much as I didn’t want to admit it to myself, she was the one. Ann was there at the airport, waiting for me when my flight arrived late at night. As soon as I looked in her eyes, I finally admitted the truth to myself; I was very much in love with her.
So I met her family a few days later in Bacolod City. Following their traditions, I asked her father if I could marry his daughter. He gave us his blessing and her mother approved too. I was afraid of what the answer might be, so it was like a weight was lifted off of my chest when he smiled and agreed.
We were going out to dinner with her family the next night, so I scrambled to find her a ring. I frantically searched for and found the perfect ring for her. But I also know that she’s shy and doesn’t like a lot of public attention. So I would have to ask her in my hotel room.
At about 8 PM on 15 June 2016, I got down on one knee, presented the ring and asked Ann if she would give me the honor. She had a puzzled look on her face as I knelt, but she covered her mouth in shock when she realized what was happening. Tears of joy streamed down her perfect cheeks as she put out her left hand and said yes!
She’s my reason why I do what I do
I could make up a dozen different stories, but it all boils down to Ann and how much she’s changed me for the better. She believed in me when I was quite possibly at my worst. So now I believe I will always give her my best. That’s why I do what I do.
For more about Our Why, please see the companion content below:
