One Valentine’s Day 20 years ago, boyfriend less (not necessarily love less, there’s a difference as some of you will agree – another story for another time), I expected the day to just be an ordinary day. But then, all at once, dozens of roses came in droves for the women in the office. Being an open office environment, the pressure for us single women became too obvious to ignore. Most of the single women in my group received their share of roses by noon, except me. By 2 pm, the pressure was too much to ignore that I actually thought about calling one of my friends to have some flowers delivered just so I can avoid the “what a loser” and “what a pity” glances I was getting from co workers. When all of a sudden, just like fresh April showers from the heavens, the most beautiful bouquet of roses arrived at my desk. The card read,

Dearest Raqui, My love and concern for your future and continued restoration in the Lord. May the Lord’s love provide you with security and peace. Love, Teng Needless to say, my friend, (later my boss) Teng’s deliberate act of kindness not only rescued me from that embarrassing situation, but also taught me a lesson in true friendship. Twenty years later, I’ve kept this card to remind me of that one day many years ago.