Give and Gain

Late last night I thought about the things that I gave up when I decided to get married. It was nothing too deep or too painful - a pinch here and there, but nothing that would make me regret being here.

I remember my mother-in-law sharing her story - of how she gave up her career as a nurse in Manila, to move to Goa and spend the rest of her life there with her husband. There will be many sacrifices she said.

I do not feel sorry for myself the way I thought I would. I mean, my days are packed with the little details of domestic life that I actually enjoy. I am learning a lot - about myself, about Tom, about giving and taking, about being married - among many other domestic chores.

Earlier today, I told Tom my thoughts - hoping he would not feel bad about it too.

He gave me a hug and said:

You gave up everything. But gained everything... it is just that its a different everything.