Sign of the Cross

St. Cyril of Jerusalem in his "Catecheses" (xiii, 36) remarks: "let us then not be ashamed to confess the Crucified. Be the cross our seal, made with boldness by our fingers on our brow and in every thing; over the bread we eat and the cups we drink, in our comings and in goings; before our sleep, when we lie down and when we awake; when we are travelling, and when we are at rest".

This morning was very different to me. Today was the day when my husband had to leave me for work to Singapore for one month. I've been through this before, but it felt kind of different now. I reckon it is because for over one year since we got married, I have never actually stayed away from him. And maybe also because I am 31 weeks pregnant now, so all those emotional build-ups just sink in easily. It must be that. This distance makes me realize that I do, I do and I DO want my dear husband to be with me all the time. Maybe this awkward feeling will go away once I'm settled with the new environment. Anyway he will come back in a month time, so everything will be just fine. I am actually counting the days.

Now I would just like to share what happened this morning. Something that really, really touched my heart. After packing and getting ready, my husband sat down at the side of the bed and told me that he wanted to say a prayer. So I watched him praying in silence. Finished praying, he turned towards me and said, "Let me bless you and our baby". And he placed a gentle sign of the cross with his thumb, first on my forehead, and then on my gravid womb. In return I did the same on his forehead. Then he gave me the warmest hug I have ever known. And yes, I was teary because, that, really, really touched my heart. I just feel so blessedly loved by my dear husband. And I thank God for the very wonderful moment I have just experienced, and the beautiful soul mate He gave to me.

This I will cherish for always, and will keep me strong whenever I feel lonely or down or afraid.

Your Daddy loves us so much, my baby Stefan. May he always be blessed by God too, every hour and every second of every day.