When we began dating we were just in high school, both with unstable views of where life will take us in 10 years. Both with goals. We knew where we were going after high school, but what about life thereafter?

When we decided to date, I was not only dating you but I basically was in a relationship with the Army too. Why? Because where you go, I follow. I always have people question me about why I do it. Why stick with someone when you know they are soon to be deployed for God knows how long? How do you handle the fact that there is always a chance he may not come home to you? How do you deal with the times of no communication? My answer: because I love him.

In the basic sense, I love him is the answer I give to people even though the truth is that it goes even deeper. I don't do it because I have to, I do it because I want to. I do it because our love only grows stronger.

This weekend I was blessed. I got to see my man. Our time apart can get to us sometimes, making us frustrated but we then remind each other that we will see eachother eventually and its that thought that keeps us sane.

One thing I have learned from this type of relationship is that you need to get used to the plans chagning because you never know anything or what going on. For example, he was shipped to his unit and they tell you the day you leave or if youre lucky, the day before. Each week would would stay hopefuly that maybe, just mayb he would ship out and we could see eachother. Next thing we knew, over a month went by and a month is not a long time to be apart however we missed eachother deeply.

He fianlly shipped and was able to visit me, and I couldnt be more happy. This relationship has taught me to appreciate every little thing and never take for granted what God gives you because some people never find their person and to know I have mine at 18, well that just makes life that much better.