Easter 2003
I usually dread it when my wedding anniversary comes. My husband doesn't really like celebrating it. He isn't even into gift giving. Earlier in our marriage, I'd buy him presents on birthdays, anniversaries and Christmases. But after years of giving, and not receiving, I gave up giving. What woman doesn't want a romantic dinner or movie, or a dozen red roses? Hey, I'd even settle for a dozen white carnations. Well, who am I kidding? I am not in Dreamland. Or perhaps I am just watching way too much TV. That only happens in movies, right? Oh, please tell me so!
I had been in a crappy mood for the last three days leading to the "big day." It was our wedding anniversary and my husband never remembered our anniversary. I had been snapping at him every chance that I got. I had been really stressed especially that it fell on Easter. After going shopping with the kids the day before (I usually bring them shopping with me only during long week-ends), I got home really tired. It would have been really nice to sit back and relax that night but I had to be up on my feet to prepare dishes for Easter lunch. My sister and I invited our childhood friend from Cavite, Olive, who just migrated here in Winnipeg. So there I was already feeling down because my husband had no idea that it was our anniversary. Just a simple, "Happy Anniversary, dear" would have done it for me. I was not asking for any presents. But what did he bring home that night? A present for me? No! A dozen red roses? No way! I can't even tell you because I was just as upset as h---.
Do I sound like a whiny baby? Pardon me. I know that I have my own faults, too. But this is my story, so please just bear with me. And no, please, don't get me wrong. I do love my husband dearly and I know that he does love me, too, likewise. (Nag-drama ba!)
We all went to church with my mother on Easter morning. I told myself to be calm, do not ruin Easter for everybody. But I almost lost it when my mother closed the door on the driver side of her car while my hand was still at the door. She didn't hear me at first when I screamed, "Ma, ang kamay ko, naipit ng pinto!" because she was busy waving at her friend Terry. Well, at the second attempt of screaming and a tap on her shoulder, she finally opened the door. The three middle fingers of my left hand were quite black for about five minutes. It took me a couple of attempts to close the door with my left hand. I had to use my left hand because I was behind the driver's seat. I was just really glad that my hand wasn't badly hurt, although it was weak for about the first hour after the freak accident.
We all headed to my sister's place and waited for Olive and her family to come. They came at around noon and we all had a very nice Easter lunch. When we were having dessert, my sister started looking for my husband. You know, he usually wanders off during these gatherings. And I later found out why she was anxious for him to come back. She had a pleasant surprise for us. My dear sister remembered our anniversary! She ordered a big slab of chocolate cake that said "Happy Anniversary Ronald and Irene." I almost lost it again. I was almost teary-eyed, but I tried to control my emotions which was already in a roller-coaster ride to begin with. Actually, I just didn't want to cry because I feared that my eyeliner would smudge. (Very vain, va! Well, you know me.) After about half an hour, with my dear husband at my side, we all gathered around the table with the big chocolate cake. My very dramatic sister even put 12 candles on the cake and she wanted us to blow the candles. But since I didn't expect any of these, I did not bring the camcorder. My suddenly "romantic husband" wanted it on video.
Irene: Ok, Reggie, go get the camcorder at home.
Ronald: No, I'll go get it.
Meanwhile, my sister had already lit up the candles.
Francis: (who was all this time impatiently waiting to take our pictures) Ok, smile.
Irene: Wait. Ronald went home to get the camcorder.
Lina: Why did you let him go again? He might not come back.
Ronald came back with the camcorder. Battery's dead. Camcorder won't work.
Irene: Well, plug it in. Where's the cord?
Ronald: Oh, I left it at home. I didn't bring it.
Francis: (getting impatient) The chocolate icing on the cake is starting to melt. Ok, Carolina, get our camcorder.
Finally, with the camcorder and cameras ready, I blew out the candles. We took a few snaps. We had a partially melted chocolate cake and memories to last 12 more years and hopefully many more years beyond that.
