Once upon a time... not so long ago...a boy meets a girl....and they both fell in love....
| During the time before land... |
|
|
It was tough at the beginning as both the boy and the girl were hurt in their past relationships. Nevertheless love prevails
and their relationship grew. Understanding forms the bridge between the young couples as they know more about each other.
It did not take long for them to be blessed by the ancestors and wedding bells were heard. The boy and girl are now an
item as they stood before their family members and vowed to remain faithful and love one another for the rest of their lives.
为了象征,
我俩对彼此,
永远忠心，
爱情永恒，
我送给你，
这枚戒指，
和你结婚。
| Just married...22 April 2004 |
|
|
The newly wed travelled to Pensacola, Florida for the husband was sent there for his aviation training. He
is going to be an F-16 Navigator.
Now in a foreign land, away from the shelters of his parents. He had to build a family of his own... a family with his lovely
wife...
| Basic roof for a cosy home |
|
|
Despite the roof was only a 10min drive from NAS Pensacola, where the man works, a set of wheels is required. Hunting
high and low for the perfect automobile, his eyes were set on the 96 Mustang Convertible.
| A simple set of wheels... |
|
|
Pensacola.. where the couple spent most of their time. It became sort of a honeymoon for the newly wed. Life was fun
and enjoyable. The husband worked hard in the day flying while the wife prepares his favourite meals as she awaited his return
daily. A loving couple for all to envy.
| Breakfast at IHOP, Pensacola |
|
|
Besides the daily routine, the couple also enjoyed going to pubs by the beaches while watching the stars and reflection
of the moon in the sea. Relaxing.... romantic... What a way of life!
| Chilling out at Florabama, Alabama |
|
|
A missed period and the arrival of Hurricane Ivan, the couple packed all they could, got into their car and drove west.
Although things may seemed chaotic, for a mandatory hurricane evacuation was ordered, there is a plan of where to go
and what to do. Houston, Texas is where the husband and wife found themselves after a 10hrs drive.
Unknown to both, someone has joined them in this journey... someone destined to be their first child.
| Houston..we have a problem...shopping time |
|
|
As Hurricane Ivan departed Pensacola and continued its destructive journey towards the northeast, the curfew at
Pensacola remained. The couple, now having stayed in Houston for near 2 weeks, decided to make their way closer to Pensacola.
Next stop: New Orleans, Lousiana!
An evacuation turned road trip!
| On New Orleans Soil, Behind Mississippi River |
|
|
The curfew at Pensacola was finally lifted. The husband's training command has informed that training will be resumed
as soon as possible and all trainees are required to report back to NAS Pensacola.
As the couple made their way back to Pensacola, a stop was made at Biloxi, Mississippi for a quick lunch and an
attempt at the wheel...
Next stop: Grand Casino, Biloxi.
| Enjoying at the white chocolate fountain, Biloxi |
|
|
Another missed period, a little suspicious and alot of anxiety. The couple began to realise that they were not alone.
There was someone with them all these while. Someone, boy or girl, growing within...
Doctors soon confirmed the pregancy. A new chapter begins for the couple......
Thanksgiving sale at Destin, Florida. Nobody was going to missed that, especially there were so many toys and clothes
to be bought for the little child due in May 2005.
Shopping spree again...this time: Destin, FL
| Taking a break..waiting for round 2 |
|
|
Christmas time... lights were on everywhere and it was a beautiful sight. The temperature fell as low as 2 degrees,
not low enough for snow but it was still cold.
The little life was growing fast and flight training for the man was getting more and more intensed. A painful yet necessary
decision was made: the wife will be going back to Singapore where his/her family were there to look after her.
Romantic Christmas, creative decorations, intense feelings within for the couple will not be seeing each other for the
next 10 months. Painful.... yet necessary.
| The fire burns within.. the love never dies |
|
|
Half the Earth's distance apart and separated by a time difference of 13 hours, the miss was intense. Silent weeps
and sleepless nights engulfed both man and wife.
Every opportunity of webcam and long distance call to ease the pain was fully ultilised. A collage was made. A collage
to remind them of the pain being apart and that they must, no matter what happens, cherish every second they are together.
Below is a poem which Benjamin wrote for his wife, Eileen.
因职独处异国乡,
逆愿别孕妻娃儿,
激菱无怨晰持恩,
盼近聚续无终情.
Meaning
I had to be deployed in a foreign country
alone.
Unwillingly,
I had to leave my expecting wife and unborned son.
I
am grateful to my wife's understanding and support.
Hope
that we will reunited to continue our neverending love soon.
| A million hours of webcam |
|
|
It is 220405...time flew past just like that. They are no longer considered newly wed for it is their 1st year Wedding
Anniversary. Although they are still miles apart, their hearts never left each other and binded as tightly as ever.
As the clock strike 12, the phone rang. "Darling, Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary!" They both said it at the same time.
| Collection of memories in Year 1 |
|
|
A baby was borned on 7th May 2005. Bearing both features of the man and wife, the little boy is the hope and strength
of the couple. The man was still away in the midst of his training, full of anxiety to carry his son. The wife fulfilled the
role of mum and dad as she awaited for her love to return.
Life was hard as both man and wife fought through all physical and emotional obstacles. It was all going to be over
soon and the family will reunite for a better tomorrow.
|
