Love beyond words and the horrible C

Dart Eslao and his wife Angeline with kids Museika, 3, and John Speed, 13 during the 2015 National Milo Olympics in Laguna.

EVEN multi-awarded word wizards can run out of words in detailing the pains suffered by a loved one struck by cancer.

Dart Eslao and his wife Evangeline have been married for 13 years. And like any ordinary couple, they have experienced the ups and downs of married life. Trials they claim, only strengthened their devotion for each other.

But nothing prepared them for this one: Evangeline was diagnosed with stage 1 thyroid cancer last year. The shocking news left the couple devastated but at the same time strengthened their resolve to love each other faithfully….with or without the big C.

Evangeline suffered constant exhaustion and weight loss, but the couple remained strong primarily for their two children, Museika, 3, and John Speed, 13.

John Speed is also carving a name for himself in his father’s sport. In fact he was named Outstanding Athlete for Scrabble during the 2015 Milo Little Olympics National Finals in Laguna.

Next month, Dart is set to leave for his overseas work. This time, he will depart with a heavy heart given his wife’s condition.

But before that, the couple wants to make the most out of today’s Valentine’s Day by spending it with their family.

“Work is challenging when you work in a ship. But I have to endure it because it would be harder for the family if I don’t work,” Dart said. “The medical check up was the biggest expense. It’s like an aftershock. You have no idea when they will stop,” added Dart who won numerous awards in Scrabble including the Mayor’s Cup and City Olympics back in his days at the University of Cebu (UC), Independence Day Scrabble Open 2012, UV Scrabble Challenge 2015 and Causeway Scrabble Challenge International Qualifying last year.