When I started at my apartment management job late last June, I was amused to discovered that my grumpy maintenance man is a romantic at heart and deeply in love with his Thai girlfriend here on a temporary work visa. The future was uncertain, but they were working on getting her permanent resident status (PR) and hoped to marry in a few years time.

Fast forward seven months, and they were able to get married a couple of weeks ago. They had a civil ceremony at home but planned to have a big party with all their friends and family a little while later. They had considered the summer, but wanted me to be there, so the party was held last night. What a wonderful affair! The mostly Thai food the bride cooked was delicious, the music was lively, and all my work friends past and present were there. It was so lovely to see the couple looking so happy and in love.

It’s been a very, very long time since I last went out for drinks and entertainment, so I will confess that I stayed out late, made a fool of myself on the dance floor, imbibed a little too much, and was glad that I made the decision to go to the party in a cab. 🙂

In the next few weeks, I will be helping with getting the immigration papers typed up, my wedding present to them. I am amused that part of the process is just like that in American films where folks are trying to get green cards, in that Citizenship and Immigration Canada want photos and other proof that they are a true couple and didn’t just marry so she can get her PR. All I can say is that this the real thing and makes me realise that love can be complicated and messy, but it’s worth the journey.