Hey there, handsome,

You know, they really aren't kidding when they say, "Distance means nothing when something means so much." You're 523 miles away from home, away from me, and yet, you are still the closest person to me. I know you're scared and lonely. I know you worry every day that I am having the time of my life without you; that you're missing out. I'm going to let you in on a little secret: You've never been so far from the truth.

I never forget about you. Literally, never. You're always on my mind. There's not a second in the day where I don't wonder what you're doing, if you're hungry, what you're talking about with your buddies (I don't always need the answer to that one). You're with me, no matter what. I know you're constantly bombarded with stories of unfaithfulness and heartbreak, but this is something you'll never have to worry about. The guys I see every day are simply just other guys. Pardon my cheesiness, but I only have eyes for you. You're sacrificing everything to keep not only me, but our family and friends safe. What more could I ever ask for in a life partner? And despite the exhausting obstacles and struggles you face, somehow you still make me feel like the most loved girl in the entire world from hundreds of miles away. I've got it made. Never in my life did I ever think I'd be so lucky.

I'll never truly understand what you're going through, but I can promise you that I will always be your best friend. I will forever listen to anything you have to say, and I will always be there for you. You don't have to worry, we will never not be best friends. I mean, c'mon, we fit together better than ice cream and cookie dough, PB&J, mac and cheese (yeah, you already know I'm hungry). Though in all seriousness, I will never find a better friend, teammate or other half in anyone else.

I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you. You're overcoming obstacles that the majority of the American population would never touch with a ten-foot pole. I mean, you've grown from a boy into a man in just a matter of months. Who else can say that? Not only am I proud, I am sothankful. Thankful for your sacrifice, as well as your love. You are my motivation, not only to strive for more in life, but also to set myself up for success. Because of you, I continue to grow more and more into the woman I want to be. I learn more about myself than I ever thought I would, I'm stronger and more independent than I ever dreamt I could be. How would I have figured that out without you? Simple: I wouldn't, at least not as early on in life as I am now. I'll never be able to express my gratitude in words for you, but I will damn sure keep trying.

This isn't an easy relationship by any means. This takes hard work and commitment. But, look at us, we're doing just fine handling it all. We're better than ever. Still, I know it sucks for you. I know you have moments where you wonder why you ever signed those papers. I know sometimes you wish more than anything I could be there to tell you all of this in person and make everything better. And there's nothing I would love more than to be able to take care of you and comfort you in these times of such darkness. However, there is something I can do. I can let you know that I love you more than I've loved anything or anyone. No matter where you are, you can be sure that I am somewhere missing you just as much (if not more). I'll see you soon, sweetheart.

With so much love,

Linds