absence makes the heart grow fonder...

John and I were long-distance our entire dating relationship.  From the time we met, to the time we got married - we were long distance.  We still managed to see each other every other/or every two weekends.  We couldn't make it much longer than that.  I looked forward to our wedding date THAT much more, knowing we would never have to say "goodbye" again.

The Lord knew it was better for us both to date long distance.  I was a sophomore in college and John was a senior when we met (in early 2010).  Dating long distance allowed us to focus on (a. my college studies, babysitting, friends, student teaching...) and (b. John's big move to Maryland to begin working for his father's company - Quick Servant Company - HVAC).  We were able to focus on priorities in our individual lives on a daily basis, while getting to spend good quality long-length of times when we were together - days at a time.

That being said....(listen to me sounding all strong and positive)..don't be fooled. I was a wreck!  I lived for our times together and cried like it was the end of the world every time we parted ways again.  It was a crummy feeling.  Whether I flew or drove...he flew or drove...I had a heart full of pain and hurt every time we left each other.

Marriage has been so amazing thus far and gets better each day.  Yes - we have our arguments...Yes we have our fights and disagreements...But, that's marriage.  It's all about communicating (BIG time) and learning/growing together.  Keeping Him at the center of your marriage always is the key.  To go to bed next to your best friend and wake up next to him/her everyday is the best gift anyone could receive.  Marriage is a beautiful thing.

John left for a business trip Wednesday to Florida with his boss, Sherman.  It has been tough. It has been lonely. It has been a sad few days without him.  However, I haven't been in sheer heart wrenching pain as it was when we dated....I've thought about this a lot since he left and realized exactly why it's different.  John will return tomorrow and we will be back to our life together....I will go to sleep next to my husband and wake up to him the next day.  Rather than spending weeks apart and looking forward to the 3 or 4 days together in between.....Now it's a lifetime together and spending 2 or 3 days apart every so often.  I'll take it!

My mom always told me that when she got married, she felt so content, so happy, so comforted to know that she would never be alone again.  She had her husband - her best friend and her love - there with her always.  What a good feeling that is. And it is so very true.

And just because I miss him...Here's my handsome husband singing the father/daughter dance for my dad and me at our wedding. XOXO

Thanks for walking with us,
JL