Some countries witnessed a surge in divorce and domestic violence cases linked to COVID-19.
As a result of the epidemic, many couples have been bound with each other at home for over a month, which evoked the underlying conflicts.
COVID-19 has changed our lifestyle; it creates inconveniences for our lives and economic loss. It has weakened most people’s psychological endurance capacity.
Thus, many people are walking through hell at home.
Leaving them exposed not just to a deadly virus but a world that has largely closed its doors.
I hope that those who are abused can seek helps and shelter for themselves and their children, for their emotional safety and physical safety.
Today is my 3rd wedding anniversary.
For our first anniversary, we were in Rome.
For our second anniversary, we were in Vienna.
Today, we’re self-quarantined at home.
So, I want to share a little bit of my home.
::: LOVE IS AN ENORMOUS COMMITMENT
People say love is hard work,
but, not for me.
With Tobias, 3 years marriage was so easy.
Although we’re battling with incurable brain cancer,
we’re deeply in love.
Because, our love is stronger than merely the flutter of a heart.
I see in Tobias,
a constant gentlemanly nature,
the kindness and the affection,
the love.
Tobias’ love to me is an enormous commitment.
A commitment that tested him at some of his most vulnerable areas;
A commitment that forced him to make choices between some very very difficult issues that he must face with;
A commitment that forced him to deal with his pride and every temptation;
It demands of him that quality of commitment.
A commitment that means sometimes saying no to himself and giving the best for me.
His love is a committed love.
::: NO REASON TO BE UNKIND
There maybe a reason to disagree,
but, there’s never a reason to be unkind.
Our relationship is kind.
Lately, my symptoms are worsening.
I struggle with talking, with walking,
with laughing by myself,
even with failing to control my bowel.
I feel so embarrassed.
There are times when I cannot speak,
and only tears are running down my face,
sobbing my heart out.
I feel helpless.
In this moment I wanted to know if
Tobias still loves me,
and if he cares for me.
Tobias never comes with a long speech,
nor explanation,
or some kind of a propositional solution to my situation.
He just hugged me,
and gently whispered,
“I love you, I love you, I love you”.
I am cherished and comforted.
Love provokes us to do good works.
I see that kindness in Tobias.
Our relationship is nourished and nurtured on the basis of love that is kind.
::: NO SELFISH PURPOSE
The other day, my neighbor needed sugar for her baking. Coincidentally, I had a new pack of sugar, so I gave it to her. This week, I had two times cakes placed in front of my door. My neighbor feeds us.
She reminds me to make the best of gifts I received in my life to benefit others.
Marrying Tobias gave me security.
This security unlocked my power of compassion, generosity, joy, passion, and hope for others.
::: A PLACE OF JOY AND BEAUTY
We live in a humble small flat in Karlsruhe.
We enjoy home so much.
It’s the quality of infinite love that is expressed in our home and which make it wonderful.
We never lie,
we don’t corrupt each other’s good character,
we honor and respect,
we apologize and forgive,
we serve,
we make sacrifices.
God made my marriage and my home,
a place of joy and beauty.
I was thinking,
if my earthly home brings so much security and happiness,
how much more my heavenly home will be.
Friends,
let’s think, and dream, and pray about your home.
Why do you have a home?
What do you want to happen inside these walls?
How do you make the most of this home?
To maintain and steward a home in a meaningful way,
build your house on love.
And when God gives us a home,
let it be a home for others, too.
Sometimes literally and physically,
often more spiritually and emotionally.
Cherish your earthly home,
but set your heart on your final and eternal home.
Love,
Titien
“”Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24-25 ESV
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:12-15 ESV
“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
2 Corinthians 5:1 ESV
::: UPDATE ABOUT ME
2 Years 11 Months Post Biopsy
Midline Pontine Glioblastoma/DIPG Grade IV
On April 15th, I’ll have the 30th round of Avastin. And, I’m scheduled to do an MRI.
I hope for good results.
For now, I take 2 mg of dexamethasone daily. It doesn’t slow down my symptoms from worsening. There are no new symptoms, but all my symptoms get more intense. I have difficulty speaking, my voice sounds nasal, I have difficulty walking, head pressure, double vision, balance issues, bowel issues to the point where I can’t control my bowel, tingling pain on my left arm, weakness of my right arm and many fits of laughter.
Please go to “My Medical History” for more details.
Thanks for keeping me in your prayers 🙏
PS: Thank you for reading, commenting and sharing my posts.
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Dear Titien,
thank you for sharing so faithfully. In these times your thoughts are even more meaningful. It’s good to “know” you 🙂
Elke
Hi Elke 🤗
Thanks for reading my stories and leave a comment 😃.
Nice to “meet” you too 😉.
Happy Good Friday,
Titien
Happy Good Friday to you and Tobias as well.
I just read and translated your post from today to my husband who unfortunately doesn’t understand English. He was very impressed by what he heard and now we both send greetings
Elke and Bajro
Titien, thank you for your beautiful stories. It helps me to realized that there are so much beautiful things to be grateful of 😘
Hi Linna,
I’m happy to hear that. Thanks 😊
Safe and wonderful trip in NZ.
Love,
Titien