The Lotus Flower

For as long as I can remember, Che has always been fond of tulips. However, when we moved to Vietnam and learned more about the lotus and what it signifies, it resonated with her so much that she thought about getting a tattoo of it.

The lotus grows on muddy waters. It’s not something so meticulously grown, as it only needs full sunlight, heavy clay soil, and warm water. It’s amazing to see that such a beautiful flower blooms despite the harsh and unpretty setting. As such, it is generally believed that it symbolizes overcoming adversity.

It wasn’t difficult for me to see why she related so much with the flower at this stage of her life. I’ve seen firsthand some of the difficult adversities she’s had to overcome – in school, at home, at work, and in life – yet here she still stands tall. She’s not unscathed through all of it, but she wears the scars of battle proudly.

She learns from each battle, not always unbothered, but always with a heart and mind that wants to keep moving forward.

This is a person who will always give you a bright smile that is almost tied to her personality, no matter what she feels. At the same time, she has this mean RBF even if she’s just writing a simple text message. Like what you see outside, you’ll never know what’s really going on inside.

However, like a lotus flower, she just blooms.

She inspires effortlessly, loves unconditionally, and works tirelessly to be the best version of herself regardless of the environment she is in.

I’m proud to be her partner in this lifetime and have a front row seat to her growth as a person. For as long as God will allow, I hope to stay by her side to help her reach the heights she deserves and be able to give her the peace that she needs.

Happy 10th anniversary of your 29th birthday, love.