A surprise visitor

Lin Kiat, my amazing husband, is here in Ann Arbor! He flew up to be with me on Wednesday. His arrival saved my sanity and is the very thing to get me past the awful stomach virus I returned with this winter.

On Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, Lin Kiat had not been answering my text messages, phone calls or emails, and I was worried something had happened to him. Days before, we'd been planning to have him come over in mid February. In actuality, my mom was chasing our travel agent to secure a ticket for him and he was running around getting things packed, settling issues at work before leaving, and everyone knew about the big plan except me. My mom called me to ask what things I'd like Lin Kiat to bring over in February, so she could get them now before the CNY craze takes up her time. I was a little suspicious, but didn't think twice about it.

Wednesday afternoon, Lin Kiat finally messaged me after my class ended. He said that our friend Chris would be driving over to pass me some food and some items he'd asked Chris to get for me. Chris arrived at my door later and pulled up a piece of luggage, saying, "This is for you." I said, "This is luggage." It didn't register at all. I was only thinking, "Wow, that's a lot of presents from Lin Kiat if Chris needed a suitcase to put everything in." And then, Lin Kiat walked round the corner. I nearly cried. I was so very, very happy.

For days, I'd been miserable and just not snapping out of my sad funk. I wanted to go home, I wanted to quit the program and be with my family and friends in Singapore. I really hated the winter, the cold, the loneliness. Lin Kiat's being here has helped me a lot. It's really too bad he has to leave on Tuesday. I'm terribly afraid I'll fall back into my old self-pitiying state, but I think my improved health will help me survive the worst of this winter.

For now, I'll just bask in the warmth that Lin Kiat has brought over. I'm remembering the vows we took nearly six months ago, and Lin Kiat has truly honored every word. I feel very blessed.