As part of The Australian Filipina’s offering for Valentine’s Day, we are glad to share an update on Grenessil Histon who we had a feature story on last year.  In that story she shared the ordeal she endured in a violent relationship back in the Philippines.

After getting a chance to escape from the toxic personal environment by migrating to Australia, after some time Gren met through an online dating app her then future husband.  Tony turned out to be Gren’s “Mr Right” and after getting married, they were blessed with the arrival of Harry who is now six years old.

*What reactions did you get from people who read your story?

YES! I have been getting good feedback regarding my story. The readers were saying I am a strong woman for walking away from an abusive relationship and following the path where God wants me to be, that I deserved the life I have now.  That my story is worth sharing and reading because it is unconventional and inspiring. 

Thank God there were no negative feedback or comments made to me.

*Since the article was written, please share updates on your love and family life.

As mentioned on the previous article, we just bought and recently moved into our new house in Mosman, in the lower north shore of Sydney and we settled well. It was a lifestyle change as we are always at the beach these days maximising the sunny days left before autumn comes. We are loving it here not just because of its location, the beaches but above all our new neighbours - that community vibe. Hubby and I are so grateful to God for the opportunity of finding our forever home here as we grow our family.

* What good things have happened since we spoke to you last?  

We are so happy that we are expecting our second child but the gender is still to be revealed. We were very grateful since I had a miscarriage around July of 2021 - 2 to 3 months later I fell pregnant again! Thank God! I have to admit It was depressing time for a few couple of weeks but as what I always tell myself “everything happens for a reason”. Prayers helped me a lot to get back on track. 

Also, we have our house blessing right after the lockdown. Then, we went with friends on a holiday to Hamilton Island, the first ever holiday we have since Holy week 2021. When we got back from our holiday, we organised a Christmas party for less fortunate kids in Philippines.  We also adopted a rescue kitten from the Sydney CBD - he is a panther, his mum was killed by a dog - our son called him Kookie.

We had a simple Christmas day lunch with my in-laws which gave our son and his cousins quality time.

*Did any challenges or sad things got thrown your way?

Unfortunately, we welcomed the New Year with Covid-19. I was the first one who tested positive and although it was a faint line, I was symptomatic. I had a fever, chills, loss of sense of taste and smell, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite. 

Eventually my husband and our son tested positive too so we all end up isolating for three weeks in total. Thank goodness we all had mild symptoms nothing severe. Water with lemon and orange helped us a lot; as well as inhaling steam and plenty of rest until we all recovered

*You shared that you met and got to know your husband through online dating, what is your advice to those who want to try meeting a partner in same way but are hesitating? 

There’s nothing wrong in trying. It doesn’t mean that if you exchanged messages online you have to meet the person. I mean, yes the goal is to find the right one but don’t rush, take it slow - “consistency is the key”. My husband and I were talking constantly over the phone for almost two months. It was smooth and fun conversation.  We enjoyed talking anything under the sun. Interestingly, we never video called each other in that 2 months period but hubby would stay on the other line and likewise; even we were both asleep or wherever we were back then and of course we are connected on Facebook (we obviously stalked each other’s profile there). ??

So, by the time I have finally agreed to meet him in person we just have to prove to each other that we are the same person we presented online. And thank God we both were. Our first meet-up was our first date and on that day too he asked me to move in with him. From then on, we were never separated and the rest was just a history.  We eat out a lot together, traveled a lot both domestic and internationally. Being in a de facto partnership for a year, later he proposed to me. There was nothing fancy, no clue at all he is going to propose that night because I wasn’t expecting it at all. I came from a culture where if you want to get married, you plan it and just get it done; no need for engagement proposal with a ring.

Little did I know that I was to embrace a Western culture where engagement proposals are a real thing. I remember that night, we just had a casual dinner in a local restaurant nearby and when we got back home, I was busting to go to the toilet but he pulled my hand and as I turned around, I was surprised he was kneeling down in front of our dishwasher, shaking and he proposed! Of course, I said yes - but then he said his real plan was to propose to me in Paris because we were 12 days away from our European trip, but hubby was so scared that he might misplace the ring so he said to pass on the responsibility to me of the ring.  He just did it, haha and our European trip will be our celebratory travel as newly engaged couple.


What a fantastic story indeed Gren!!!  We wish you, Tony and Harry much joy when your next child joins you.  

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