Promises.

At the age of ten, I solemnly swore to never become involved with a man in the military. So much for that. As of December 20th, 2010, my life has been completely flipped upside down...and I have never been happier. On that day, my freckled faced partner in crime asked me to be his. The choice was easy. Date my best friend, or let him beg for another four years? Like most fairy tales, the girl said yes, and we began on our journey. Remember the promise I made to myself? The one about never being with a military guy? I broke that promise. My spunky, green eyed boyfriend was leaving in June for Marine Corps Basic Training. That's right. I got me a military man. I was aware that this was what he wanted, but I guess I never really grasped the big picture until he left. The final hug before the three month separation was all I had to cling to. It was then that everything hit me. Like a punch in the stomach, I realized he was leaving and I wouldn't feel those arms around me again for 90 days. A quarter of a year without his random smooches, surprise breakfasts, or extravagant stories. But during that same hug I decided that for this man, I would be strong. When he let go, I would not cry. I would not ask him to stay or even say goodbye. Instead I promised to watch him turn away from me; watch him follow his dream. And furthermore, I promised to support him the whole way.