Monique,

Right now you're at basic training, and I can't even begin to explain how much I miss you. I'm not the only one who misses you, ya know. Your family, friends, and my family miss you, too. Am I being overdramatic yet? I know you're not gone forever, but it's been tough not hearing your voice every day. I feel like a little part of me is missing, and I keep counting down the days to your graduation.

Whenever I say I'm proud of you, I mean it.

If we rewind to a few years ago and compare it to today, there's a huge difference. You were a high school kid who struggled when it came to knowing what you wanted to do with your life, but one thing stayed the same—you always wanted to make something of yourself. Look at you now! First of all, you're a vet assistant. How cool is that? Whenever we get our fur babies, I know they'll be in the best hands. Secondly, you're enlisted in the army and training as I type this out.

At first, I wasn't too crazy about the idea, but I was gonna be supportive no matter what. I won't lie, the idea of what you're doing and the chance of you being away for a while doing it still scares me, but I'm happy you're doing it. I'm glad you found something you're happy with, and I'm so proud that you were brave enough to actually do it. I promise I'll do everything in my power to support you. I'll even spend time online learning what everything means and how everything works! This is our life now, army girl.

All of this is one big adventure, and I promise I'll be with you every step of the way. I don't care what the universe tries to throw at us, I'm not leaving your side. I'll be with you through the good, the bad, and when everything feels like it's falling apart. You began a new chapter in your life and mine, and I'm excited to say that I'm ready for the story.

Good luck, and I'll see you soon.