"I could never do that," is a phrase I hear most often when I tell someone that I am in a committed relationship with a man in the military. On top of this, I also hear, "Wow, that must be so difficult," or "I'm sorry," or other not so consoling things a military girlfriend or wife have to hear on a daily basis. The thing is, I didn't choose the military life. I chose him; the military was just part of the deal. My boyfriend has been a part of the Navy for almost five months of our 14-month relationship. While it's been the toughest thing I have ever endured in my entire life, I wouldn't have asked for anything different. I never thought I could do it, either, but I did and I continue to push through; we both do.
So, what is a military relationship like? A military relationship is communicating through nothing but letters for two months while he's in boot camp. It's constant worrying about his safety and wellbeing. It's stalking the mailman every week to see if you have letters from your recruit. It's crying on a plane ride back home because you physically feel a part of your heart being left miles behind.
But don't feel sorry for me. While it may be more tears and heart ache a normal 18-year-old can handle, it is 1000 percent, totally, absolutely, positively worth it. But why? Because he's worth it. Most of it is not all bad. It's crying tears of joy after hearing his voice for the first time in two weeks. It's cherishing the handwritten letters I received once a week, re-reading the same letter ten times over, with the same smile stuck on my face. It's sprinting across to him, and jumping into his arms after being separated for months at a time. While it may be the toughest thing I've ever experienced, it brings me the happiest and most joyful experiences I could ever ask for.
Yes, it is difficult. Some days may be harder than others. Some days we don't get to talk as much as the day before, but why should I be upset over the things that I used to take for granted? Getting to see him almost every day was wonderful, and talking on the phone whenever we wanted, those were all wonderful advantages. However, the most important thing of all still remains and will always remain: we still love each other. I truly think this continual experience has made both of us, not only stronger, but love each other more than ever before.
The good outweighs the bad by a long stretch. Not only am I the happiest girl in the universe because of him, but I am so so proud of him. He made a decision to leave everything behind so he could fight for, not only his family and his loved ones, but his country. He made a pledge to protect every single one of us. Even you. Not every girl can say that about their boyfriend. Sure, a boyfriend can double as your best friend or your soulmate, but mine... mine is not only my best friend, my soulmate, my concert buddy, and my partner in crime, he's my hero.
