In 2016, I met someone very special. She earned a lot more than me and she had worked for different NGOs for many years and yet she did not judge me for my much lower teacher’s salary.
She started as an NGO volunteer over 20 years ago and worked diligently and created a vast network with people that worked for other NGOs and the United Nations.
During the Christmas period, she would often wrap about 50 gifts to give to her family in the Philippines. I was not very close to my family and admired her work ethic and kindness.
Oddly, within a few months her NGO did not receive funding and she was unemployed. I decided that just as she did not judge me, I was not going to judge her for being unemployed. We supported each other and not much else mattered.
After completing a 2-year contract with an international school, she supported my desire to earn a personal trainer certification. So, we moved to the Philippines and my classes began.
As time passed on, she continued to support me. We lived together in Clark Freeport, a town with few people and few restaurants. While living in a small town was sometimes boring for us, we supported each other and I completed my work at an international school.
Later, I taught mathematics to high school students while she continued to search for work. I wanted her to be happy so we decided to live in a nice area far from school. Sometimes, my commute began at 6 am and my home arrival time was 6 pm. However, someone’s love is one of the best gifts anyone can receive. Her hugs each morning were all I needed.
I began to learn more about doing for someone else. And she supported me by believing in me as a teacher, but also by believing that I could do well with further studies. And again, after completing work, I enrolled in classes to earn my coaching qualification and master’s degree in educational leadership. I also completed a fitness nutrition certification as well.
We were not perfect and sometimes argued. However, I learned that hearing another person’s perspective is important. We learned, changed and grew in different ways. She had already earned a master’s degree and her support and suggestions were invaluable.
In 2020, she was hired with an NGO and the pandemic began. Wearing a mask, shops being closed, and studying and working online was very difficult for me. I was moody and exhausted, but she supported me. She helped me to create a gym area in our living room. And through my school, I was able to help her receive vaccination shots.
A person who believes and supports you is invaluable. A person who loves you unconditional is also invaluable. Unfortunately, after a long period of social deprivation and not working, I had changed slowly without realizing it and we focused too much on ourselves and work. I did not focus on her needs, communication, and just enjoying life.
In 2023, we separated, but I am still very grateful for her love and support. After, a long period of reflection, I learned the importance of slowing down, being grateful to speak to other people, remembering that patience and communication is important with someone who is loved, and support.