Jensen was just being a wonderful companion for Jacinda who had just recently broken up with her fiancé. He could feel her pain and anguish at arriving at an inevitable decision. She was just crushed at having to decide after all these years of suffering in a relationship which robbed her of her self esteem and worth.
Jensen passed that crossroads four years ago when he was 30 years old. In his mind, he was fully aware that the possibility of him getting married was getting more and more remote. He was used to his individual carefree lifestyle. He was prepared to be single for the rest of his life.
Yet deep in his heart, he knew there was a void. His recent ‘relationship,’ if you might call it one, didn’t even really start because the girl was afraid of his condition. She backed off immediately when she learnt about Jensen’s bipolar condition. All the chemistry and awesome conversations were suddenly of no importance. She just couldn’t accept that her future partner might be mentally unsound.
Jensen’s resignation was understandable, even though the rejection was crushing to his soul. All he could do was bury himself in his work. It was his only solace.
Jacinda’s fate was different from Jensen’s, although hers bore familiar déjà vu sentiments. Thrice she accepted proposal rings from three different fiancés only to cancel the wedding eventually. She found it hard to believe in relationships and marriage. When certain patterns repeat themselves constantly, you can’t help but resign to fate too.
And so the two hopeless friends had their typical hawker fares and talked about life and all its complications. As the evening drew longer, Jensen couldn’t help but feel attracted to Jacinda. It dawned on him that she shared his similar outlook on life. Jacinda also began to appreciate the presence of Jensen in her life as she coped with her disappointment and the sense of loss. The seed of friendship was about to blossom into the beautiful blooms of a love relationship.
Eventually, Jensen picked up the courage to pursue a relationship with Jacinda. To his surprise, Jacinda readily agreed. She too sensed that Jensen could indeed be her soulmate. But Jensen had one more hurdle to cross. He was still reeling from the previous rejection. He fought hard to find the courage to come clean with Jacinda about his bipolar condition.
When he finally told Jacinda, her answer made him cry. “I accept you for who you are, we’ll work at handling this condition together.” Sweet relief and joy washed his battered soul.
It was no surprise then that Jensen planned something outrageous the following month, after only getting together for barely two months. On Good Friday, he conjured up a theatrical proposal that shocked Jacinda. Too shocked for words but truly believing that she’s found her true love, Jacinda agreed.
Jacinda was elated and thrilled that her hope of getting married before she turned 30 was finally coming to pass. Yet the same déjà vu feeling returned to haunt her. What if things don’t work out again? What if this was all happening too fast? Her assurance wasn’t too far in coming.
Almost immediately, without succumbing to the need to book a ballroom or a restaurant, Jensen proposed the idea of just getting married with only their parents in attendance. Breaking with the tradition of most weddings in Singapore, the couple chose a simple outdoor venue and had the pastor officiate their union in front of their parents and numerous onlookers. There was no wedding package, no wedding shoot (yet) and no fanciful gowns or suits. Just two hearts ready to unite for a lifelong commitment, two teddy bears to bear the rings, two customized rings and one eternal vow.
It wasn’t even a case of being financially able or unable to cope with the expenses. It was simply their unquenchable desires to be married to a treasure that they both had found.
And so the story of this couple getting married spanned over just 3 months from getting together to proposal and marriage. Life has never been more wonderful for both of them, as they find true acceptance, life long companionship and a gift that both believe God has blessed them.
They humbly admit that no one knows the mysterious timing of God and how things work together for those who love Him. They only know for sure that they have what it takes to last a lifetime in marriage because of their willingness to communicate and understand each other.
And now that they are expecting a third addition to the family, they can’t wait to hold this awesome gift of God in their arms when he/she is born!
Note: It’s the wish of the author and his wife to remain anonymous. The names have been replaced with fictitious names.
