United We Roll at Stardust Radio

When a friend shared this beautiful note with me, it brought back so many special memories of my parent’s marriage that survived well past their lengthy career in the Air Force. This note speaks to the very special bond between husband and wife who serve (yes, they both serve, each in their own ways) in the military. It is a love letter that is so beautiful, it should be shared - and we thank you greatly for your permission to do so. Upon request, the author remains anonymous –
Fifteen years of marriage

This week Tom and I celebrated 15 years of marriage. I guess time flies when you are having fun. This year, the celebration was 4072 miles apart. I am in Alaska and he is in Texas. The Air Force has once again called on his sense of duty and taken him far away from his family. Luckily, there isn’t anything exploding over his head this time. The distance, however, is only geographical.

My first thought when I woke up on Thursday morning was that of Tom. I smiled at the realization that we had built a life together that has spanned 15 years. Four moves, two children, two rats, myriad fish, one dog, and more laughing and private jokes than two people should be allowed to experience. He is my very best friend. I cannot imagine a day away from him…away from his strong embrace and calm manner. I cannot imagine any days without his dimpled smile that makes my heart swoon and his organization that drives everyone of his girls insane. And yet…here I am again… counting the days away from the half that has, indeed, made me whole.

What I have discovered is somewhat of an epiphany. Every embrace, every smile, every private joke, every stable moment that he imparts into our lives is sustaining. Just like the love that has endured for fifteen years, his ability to sustain our oneness through separation is almost mind boggling. I still feel his nearness. When I steal the nail clippers from his drawer because I can’t remember where I put mine, I feel him. When I open his tool chest to get a screwdriver and notice the empty shape created just for that screwdriver….I smile and feel his nearness. His imprint is everywhere in this house. When I get a group of logs for the fire and notice how they were lovingly cut to be just my size in anticipation of my "being alone"….It feels like a warm embrace. His memory and scent lingers.

Just how many moments each military wife spends in her husband’s closet just smelling his clothes, I’ll never know, but for me, those quiet moments are sustaining moments. In celebration of our anniversary, I ordered him flowers and had them delivered to his room. While ordering, I sat on the computer and looked at the half dozen….then the dozen. What would Tom do with a dozen roses? They would sure be pretty, but very expensive. As I moved the mouse to and frau from one price to the other, my fifteen years with Tom kicked in and went with the half dozen. Even that decision made me smile thinking of my guy. I was proud that I had done exactly what my husband would have done. Save a little money….yet make a statement of undying love. The next morning, I went to work and found one dozen roses waiting for me. How wonderful to know someone so intimately and yet still have room for amazement, wonder, and surprises.

I hope everyone one of you can understand and has experienced the love and commitment I am trying to write about in this note. If you haven’t…..be patient because it will be worth the wait!