As many a military significant other knows (I’d say girlfriend, but honestly, this applies to every single person that loves someone in the military), distance is probably one of the hardest things in the world. There’s only so many times you can cry and mope about it though because it doesn’t help you get through it, and it certainly doesn’t help your loved one either.
When Ryan and I first started dating, the long distance concept was extremely daunting. And, I’ll be honest, it still is when I have to fly back home after a great visit, or his leave is up. We’ve been lucky in the fact that he’s accrued a lot of leave, and he’s had a pretty good number of four-day passes this year, but it’s definitely not been the most convenient relationship in the world. So, why do I do it, you ask? Because he’s amazing. Because he completes me. Because when I get on a plane to fly home, I know that I’m in his heart and on his mind, and it’s not permanent.
We’re so lucky that we live in a day and age where technology bridges that distance. We text, phone call, facetime and facebook message every day. Because of this, I’m never actually too far from Ry’s mind, and I don’t feel as though I’m completely lost. I’m not going to lie though. I’ve had that nagging self-doubt at times. I’m sure that any military girlfriend can attest to the fact that dating someone long-distance and in the military is a risky concept…and there’s a stigma to it.
But despite the fact that I have nights when I wish he could just cuddle up with me on the couch, and we didn’t have to count down the days until our next visit, I wouldn’t trade this for the world. Every time we’re apart and see each other again, it’s like the first time. I still get those butterflies. I still feel so blessed. I always, always remember this:
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:17
