Mamsi and Papa Love Story

My mama alias Mamsi and Papa got married on November 4th, 1969. They faced convos like "You're too young to get married now!" or "She's just a 19 year old child!!" or "You can do better than him!" or "How about your dream to be in theater?!"

The wedding was in two different ceremonies and outfits (for sure all Indonesians do often), akad nikah in Melayu outfit and the reception in Palembang traditional outfit. I don't have the akad nikah pictures, but I have the reception pictures.

“Are you still going to finish drama school??”

Mamsi wanted to graduate from drama school, but Papa would want to be married. Being a state employee, his wife can't have a career that might not support his career. Being in a movie or national theater was not considered as "supporting state employee husband."

For that Mamsi dream to perform was postponed. Later when Papa retired and went to do private business, Mamsi went back to her love in acting and joined small productions.

Happy fights to stay in love

“I will keep my promise forever.”

They said that love is the power behind their union and their life. I didn't understand what they were talking about until recently. They had fights, separated for days, and even got so close to get divorce. But, they always go back to where they started, the love for each other. Behind first picture he gave her, he wrote: "Dearest Nila, I will keep my promise forever. Love, A. Rifai."

Love and dreams

I follow Papa's advise to always lead life with love and dreams. Love everything I do, love all experiences, explore love and slice it in many layers. Dreams are visions powered by love. My best friend even calls me a dreamer. Actually it were all visions on where I want to go or what I want to do. It's my map for my life, dream now and it will materialize in future.

I'm not sure if I would finish this life completing my exploration on love. Here's what I know so far: love is an energy that drives anything we do and see.