I know that you will probably never see this, and that is okay. This letter is for me. It's for me to thank you.

I know when It comes to our military-men leaving, us women act strong. We put on an act; a merry façade that says, "We are not phased by this." But we are.

Everyone with a significant other in the military has the same terrible fear, and I am no different. When you left for the first time, I was crushed. I cried and cried because you weren't home to hold me. I would look at your pictures just to crack a smile. I replayed your voicemails over and over again. I even started to get mad because you had left. At times I still cry, but I want to thank you for leaving.

You leaving has shown me things; things I never knew about myself. Thanks to you, I learned that I am strong, and I am powerful. I am a big girl who can stand on her own two feet and doesn't need her hand held.

This doesn't mean I don't need you, because I do. I need you to open the pickle jar because the lid is on a little too tight, and I need you to kill the spiders because I'm a huge chicken when it comes to insects. But next time I fall I won't need you to pick me up again; I can do it on my own. I am independent.

I want to thank you for showing me what love is meant to be. Distance in a relationship is a tough adversity to overcome, but it shows you what you really want. I know that what I want is you. I want you in any way, shape, or form. The thought of you getting injured makes me sick to my stomach, but I would still be here waiting for you.

Finally, I want to thank you for the biggest thing of all you do; serving our country. Thank you for fighting, not just for me, but for everyone. You defend millions of people you don't even know. You keep our country safe. You stop the bad guys, and you are a hero.

When I call you a hero, you get all serious and say, "You only say that because you're my girlfriend," and maybe that is true. However, you'd be my hero no matter what your profession was. Car salesman, teacher, airman, it doesn't matter. You are amazing to me.

If the day comes that you read this, whether we are together or not, just know I mean every bit of it.

Forever yours, your biggest fan.