That quote I see at least once a day from one of the many, many milso (military significant other) pages I follow on Facebook. You don't know strength until you have to be strong.
I never thought I would have to spend a day away from my future husband, but then military became an option. I wouldn't change it, the Air Force fits Joshua. I wouldn't change the fact that I stayed by his side, encouraging him to do what he saw fit. When you love someone, you encourage them and stick with them in the toughest of times, and the best of times (isn't it in the vows, at least?).
I kissed him goodbye, unsure of what the next few months held for him, and for us. I faced BMT (basic military training). Two months of little to no communication. I wrote him daily. I consoled him over the phone when he called, breaking down during the first couple weeks of BMT. I hugged him when he was given the amazing honor to call himself an Airman. I kissed him goodbye, again.
Tech school was easier, we talked more regularly, almost as regular as when he was a college student. But then he called me and told me his orders: South Korea for a year, unaccompanied. I fought tears, my voice shook, but I did not cry. I did not leave him. I processed it; it took Joshua a couple of weeks to process it himself. He had more sacrifices to make than I did. I just don't get to see Joshua. He doesn't get to see me or his family for about seven months (mid-tour leave in July). He misses birthdays, our anniversary, Valentine's Day, and holidays. But he's accepted it now, and I do too. And after South Korea, we can be together, in England.
And this is just the beginning. There'll be training and deployments we will face, as well. But as the quote says, we are strong enough to live it, this life of separation and sacrifice. Because at the end of the day, after all the tears have fallen and the goodbyes have been said, we still love each other. And we love each more than ever because of the military. You never know how much you love someone until you can't wake up next to them, or hold their hand. But then there's the homecoming kisses, where it'll feel like the first kiss all over again.
