As Valentine's Day approaches, it's a time when many couples reflect on their journey of love, and for my husband and me, this year marks a significant milestone – our 23rd Valentine's Day together. Our love story is one of twists and turns, challenges and triumphs, but above all, it's a testament to the enduring power of love and resilience.
Our journey began in a place as unexpected as it was ordinary – a Little Caesar's Pizza on Rancho California and Ynez in Temecula. I was just 15 year old crewmember, and he, a friend of my manager, would often visit with his then-girlfriend. Our first encounter was far from romantic, with him loving life and marveling at what he thought were my "rainbow eyes." I saw him as a silly friend of my manager, and thought little of it until fate intervened a year or so later.
Fast forward to a chance meeting outside the pizza place, amidst a tumultuous breakup between the manager and his girlfriend. As we swapped stories of heartbreak and disappointment, I discovered a kindred spirit beneath the surface. He, recently moved to Temecula from the Philippines, had a warmth and sincerity that belied his tough exterior. Despite initial resistance from my mother, who saw him through skeptical eyes, he persisted, his courtship marked by small gestures of affection and genuine care.
Our first date was almost derailed by my fainting spell, but his patience and understanding set the tone for what would become a lasting bond. His gifted mix CD of soothing music and a stuffed Tigger sprayed with his cologne were unexpected yet thoughtful gifts that saw me through a difficult recovery from a major surgery. And when our first kiss was interrupted by a bout of nausea, his unwavering support only deepened my admiration for him.
Over the years, we weathered storms that would have tested the strongest of relationships. His health scares, including multiple heart attacks and diagnoses several mental health disorders, shook our foundation but never shattered it. Instead, they became opportunities to lean on each other and emerge stronger, our love an anchor in turbulent times.
Valentine's Day, for us, isn't about grand gestures or extravagant displays of affection. It's about the quiet moments of togetherness, the shared meals, and the simple pleasures of companionship. We eschew the trappings of commercialized romance in favor of genuine connection, finding joy in each other's company amidst life's chaos.
As we approach this Valentine's Day, our plans are simple yet meaningful. A follow-up appointment for me at UC Irvine Medical Center followed by a meal at one of our favorite restaurants in OC – these moments of quality time are the truest expressions of our love. For us, every day is Valentine's Day, an opportunity to celebrate the love that sustains us through life's ups and downs.
Reflecting on our journey, I'm often asked for the secret to our enduring love. It's not about grand gestures or elaborate plans; it's about friendship, trust, and unwavering support. We've learned to navigate life's challenges together, embracing our differences, utilizing our strengths and weaknesses (that oftentimes contradict societal norms but almost always complement each other perfectly), and cherishing the bond that unites us.
In a world where love is often fleeting and relationships transient, ours is a testament to the power of commitment and resilience. Through sickness and health, joy and sorrow, we've stood by each other's side, our love growing deeper with each passing year.
As we celebrate our 23rd Valentine's Day together, I'm filled with gratitude for the love we share and the memories we've created. Here's to many more years of laughter, love, and endless adventures together.
With all my heart,
Heather Pilapil
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