I had an amazing Christmas Eve and Christmas, spending some quality time with my family. Got some - probably more than some actually - delicious Filipino food, answered all of the standard "How's school?" type questions from the elders, and caught up with mga pinsan ko.

Robin was asked for several times throughout the past two nights. She's only met my extended family a handful of times before, but she left a very positive notion with them. My aunts told me that I had picked the perfect girl. I agreed. Indeed, I am quite the lucky fellow. Even my 8-year old cousin Jennifer, whose judgment of character is impeccable, happens to love Robin and told me that she really wanted to see her again. It makes me smile knowing that she remembers my mahal, even when I barely get to see my little cousins nowadays. Family is important, and it's comforting to know that not only my parents, but my extended relatives, approve of someone that I am dating. It was a little sad though, because she was all I had wanted for Christmas. I had to explain to every questioning relative that she was in South Jersey with her own family.

No matter how joyous the occasion was, there is still a large part of my holiday missing. If you really are supposed to spend moments like that with the people you love the most, I know that we should be together, but the circumstances fail to agree with us. One day though, we will be able to spend the Christmases and New Years together without any hardship or toil. Until those days come, I swear on my life that every Christmas will be a blue without you.

Robin, my dear, I miss you so. Every vibrating string that causes the spark of life within me misses you. My life is disrupted when I can't see, hear, or touch you. I want you to know that you make me extremely happy to be with you. I honestly cannot picture myself being content with anyone else. I eagerly await the next time we are together so we can catch up on the holiday celebrating. I love you.

-Matthew