Fighting the fear

Today I received a call from Matt's Dad first thing in the morning. Two US soldiers were shot and killed in the Zhari District of Afghanistan, the region where Matt is stationed. Nausea and fear quickly overwhelmed me. Despite this natural reaction, I made an attempt to stay strong. I realized this morning that this was the first of what will be many causalities in Matt's unit. How does one come to terms with this? How do I process the raw emotions of fear associated with loving a man in war. I spoke with my Dad today shortly after the news. He said to me with gentle confidence "Matt is a trained survivor". This hit me. During this time of fear and loss, I need to remember this. Matt's conviction to survive will be my strength. I too am a survivor.

In the beginning

Matt and I met in DC in the summer of 2009. When I first saw him, there was something different about him. Something that drew me to him. His eyes. His demeanor. A sense of mystery and yet a piece of home. Matt and I dated for that short summer; however the time drew to a close because we both moved back to our hometowns- I moved to Saint Louis and Matt to Lakeland, FL. Matt and I remained friends for about a year at which time we decided to see how we could make a long distance relationship work. It worked and it continues to work until this day. What we have is unique and very different but as he says it is "ours". I feel so very blessed to have him as my best friend, my boyfriend and hero. I would much rather have him long distance than not at all.
This summer it will be three years since we met. Our long distance has taken us even farther apart. Matt is in Afghanistan on a 9 month tour and I am still in St. Louis. I created this blog to document our journey- with all of its ups, downs and distance. Amazing what life has in store for us. Here's to my man in uniform- I love you, am proud of you and can't wait until you come home.

New to the blogosphere

This is my first attempt at blogging. Looking forward to where this journey may lead me.