You see, before I got married to my wife (Aida), I didn’t know much about romance and how things worked. Yes. I was cuddly and showy with my feelings. But there are just some things a guy doesn’t know about love.

Ten years ago, in a Starbucks Coffee in Makati, I gave my wife an engagement ring. Unfortunately, I gave it in the most stupidest way. No music. No flowers. No nothing. How unromatic, isn’t it? Yup.

And for years, my wife had longed to have a proposal that is truly worth remembering. Every time she saw something like that on television or in movies, she wished he had that too. And I wish that for her as well.

Today, I get to change everything. I’m given a second chance.

By the time you read this, I would have already swept her off her feet in surprise.

She doesn’t know that I will be singing to her today or giving her flowers or proposing in front of a crowd with a ring in tow. Yes. A ring.

So I hope that as I write my next post, I have photos and video to show you all.

Frankly, I’m scared to death. But I’m willing to do this because I love my wife. I have been with her for 14 years. Married for 10 years. We’ve gone through a lot.

I want to give her something I neglected to give her – a proper proposal.

And today, we start again. Anew.

I love you, Aida. Hope you like my surprise.

Rodney

Then, hell froze over.

Tonight, at the Live WWE Raw show, Bret Hart returned and buried the hatched with Shawn Michaels. For those who do not know, Shawn Michaels is a Born-Again Christian and has completely changed all these years since that incident in Montreal.

For twelve years, they have exchanged heated words and pointed fingers as who was at fault. However, there were no pointing fingers today. No heated words. Only words of encouragement, a handshake and a heartfelt hug. At last, there was closure.

Let me be honest – I shed a tear or two. I shed a tear because I know how it is to carry such weight and the relief of letting it go.

I was happy for both men who has carried such a burden for twelve years. Makes me wonder how we have carried the same things – bitterness, unforgiveness, grudges.

You don’t need to carry this heavy burden for twelve or so years. It’s been too long and the only one who has been having a hard time is you. Isn’t it time to bury the hatchet and let things go.

You may say that it is the other persons fault. True. But it does not change the fact that this bitterness and unforgiveness has haunted you and placed you in an invisible prison. Only you hold the key to get out of it.

It’s the new year. Perhaps we can consider forgiving someone today. Perhaps we can consider burying the hatchet. Perhaps we can let someone off a huge debt. Perhaps 2010 can be the year when you can set someone free from any guilt or bitterness.

As Bret Hart had the “HART” to forgive, maybe we can too.

After all, God forgave us first. Why shouldn’t we forgive others?

I was Aida’s best friend before being the man of her life. I often tell young people (and single people as well) that it is best to marry someone you know well. Before I courted my wife, I knew her first. I was even there when other guys tried to capture her heart. Let’s just say I have an unfair advantage. Although, if you ask me, I believe it was God-willed.

Thus, fourteen years ago, AINEY (Aida and Rodney) was born.

Marriage takes a lot of work. It takes a lot of patience, patience and more patience. It takes a whole of understanding and the capacity to adjust when need be. Until now, I’m still getting to know my wife even if we have been together for more than 14 years. Marriage takes commitment. It’s easy to stick with someone when everything is OK. But when the marriage faces tough times, it’s very easy to just give up.

But I thank God for making my life better because of my wife. And I pray that you too shall find the one you truly will love forever.

If you are looking, I suggest you pray first. Let not your eyes nor your heart dictate first but let your GOD tell you first. Pray for wisdom that you will choose a person not just for his or her good looks but for their character and their love for God. A person who loves and obeys God above all is a very good catch. Pray for God’s will to truly run your life.

Maybe I’ll talk more about love nuggets in February. But for now, please give me this opportunity to let the whole world know how much I love my wife – AIDA. I love you babe! Ainey forever!