August 26,2016. That was the day that one of my biggest and grandest dream growing up came true. I can and will never forget that day, because, on that very day, I was able to say “I went to London to visit the queen.”

Of course, in reality, I did not go to London to visit the queen. I was there for a vacation with the love of my life. Upon arrival at Luton Airport, I was already filled with awe and excitement. I felt like my knees are going Jell-O and butterflies are in my tummy. When my passport was stamped and was told by the immigration officer, “Welcome to London”, I smiled from ear to ear and I couldn’t hide my excitement at all.

My husband and I took the train from Luton Railway Park to London. We were supposed to go down Farringdon Station and then take the circle line to Aldgate East because that was the address of the AirBnB apartment we rented. When we boarded out of Farringdon Station, I was really ecstatic. I couldn’t believe how lucky and blessed I am because I was given the opportunity to visit LONDON!

And then it hit me, I left my handbag on the train. I shouted, “Dad, I left my bag on the train!” And as if those were the magic words, the doors of the train closed and I saw right in front of me the train was speeding away. My heart that was once filled with happiness was suddenly filled with horror. I mean, who wouldn’t be? Our passports were there, along with my wallet with all my credit cards, our vacation budget, and my husband’s beloved phone!

I immediately tried to look for any track officer but nobody was around so I asked the people who were there if they know where is the station office, they said it is upstairs so my husband and I ran and went up. The information said I should go down again and go to the office in platform 4. It felt like I was running against time!

The officers in the office immediately tried to help me. They asked for the pertinent details regarding the train we took. Thank God because He gave my husband and I a clear mind that time despite the pressure so we were able to remember details like we were seated in the 2nd coach, in front of the handicap toilet, the train was headed for Brighton we left Luton Railway Park at 9:37.

The officer communicated with the next station, so we waited for their reply. When they called back, they said that the train just passed them. So he called the next station, Blackfriars and they said they will check it. A few minutes have passed and then Blackfriars said they do not have it. I felt like my world crashed. I can see the disappointment on my husband’s face.

The officer said he relayed the message to the central office so they will send an email to all the stations. Then Blackfriars called again and they said they found a bag that is colored purple. I would have been really happy except for the fact that my bag wasn’t purple. It was beige so I was dismayed yet again.

Then an idea popped in my mind. I asked my husband if he could track his phone. I know it is possible in iPhone through Find my iPhone app but I wasn’t sure if it can be done in android phones since my husband is using Samsung. But ‘Lo and behold, my husband was able to track his phone! It was somewhere in Blackfriars!I don’t know what he did, but he was able to do so! Thank God for giving me a husband who knows nothing about giving up!

We showed it to the officer and he was surprised but he said that if that is the exact location, my phone might not be on the train anymore so someone must have taken it. With all the might he can muster my husband said he will go there anyway and check it himself. Since all our cash is in my bag, we can’t buy a ticket so the officer issued a pass that my husband can use so he can go to Blackfriars and back again to Farringdon.

I asked my husband if I should come with him, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes. Like a bear worried and really protective of his cub. He said no. He told me to stay with the inspectors instead. And I know, deep down my husband wasn’t sure if it will be safe for us so he chose to go alone instead.

After my husband left, I fervently prayed. I prayed the rosary and called unto God to protect my husband and bring back my bag along with everything inside it. Minutes became hours. And with every second, my anxiety just grow more.

Then came the moment of truth. The train arrived in Brighton. I was crying so hard since the time my husband left, and the inspectors are starting to worry about me. I heard the phone rang, and then in between sobs, I overheard the inspector say, “There’s nothing more that we can do”… So I know, it was clear, they were not able to find my bag.

I can hear them pointing fingers on who should tell me. Maybe because I was really crying so hard that it scared them or they just feel sorry for me. But whatever their reason may be, I couldn’t be happier with their timing. Because just when they were about to approach me, my husband came. And on his arm was my bag.

I hugged my husband so tight. I was so happy that he is alright and that he found my bag. He smiled at me and told me to say thank you to the enforcers. After we left the office, I told my husband again how sorry I was for causing all the trouble. And he just said, “It’s okay. We got your bag back so it’s fine now.” I felt his sincerity and I know I am loved.

During the whole crazy and panic moments, my husband kept his calm and was nothing short of amazing. He just asked politely “What was I thinking, how come I forgot about my bag.” He even told me to stop crying because he was worried I might have an asthma attack.

I can never be more thankful that I have such an amazing husband. He is really very understanding and very caring. He is not as verbose as other guys but he is so much more gentle and loving. He is very protective of me and always gives me the best. My husband is my Superman. And my Superman’s patience truly did amaze me.