Just one of the few pictures from "pinning" day.
One year ago today, the day you put on your anchors. Oh dear, I'm already crying. This day changed your life, changed your career, it changed everything. We've been through alot of changes since you put on your anchors, but one thing it has NOT changed is the man who earned them. I treasure that about you. I remember that day like it was yesterday - you had been up all night, doing god knows what, "earning" those anchors, just as you had been the 6 weeks prior. You were exhausted and bruised. I was so nervous walking into that auditorium. Was I dressed appropriately? Would I be able to get the anchor's straight on your collar? AGH - just thinking about it makes me remember those nerves! And Kasie Roach - gosh, she was a rockstar. SO helpful. And man, did I cry like a little girl (as always) as you walked away a Chief. So proud of you. So so proud to be your wife. It was a fantastic day. We went to lunch and you slept the rest of the day away until your "I did it!" party at Poe's Tavern - our spot.
Poe's Tavern - look how tired you still looked. I love this picture of us.
We had always talked about getting married. I knew from the moment we met - I was going to marry you. I remember our first "official" date and how you told me you WERE going to marry me. It wasn't but a few weeks later you were notified that you were a CPO selectee, and the 6 weeks of "fun" started. You were so focused and dedicated to being successful. I learned alot from you during this time and alot about myself. We went through some tough times and came out stronger... together. You worked so hard to achieve goals that to most seemed impossible. It was such a special time in your life. It will always be one of my "top of the list's" memories. It was this night at Poe's - after this milestone - that I realized the adventure I was about to embark on...
The email you wrote for tonight blew me away.
Just an excerpt...
"You should get this email around the 16th of September. You know the resemblence of this day. It was the epitome of my naval career, but at the same time it was the beginning of the "hell of the boat". The reason I bring this up is, you pushed me through transition season. You were my motivation and my drive... just like you are now. This is the hardest time of my life being away from you. It is the hardest thing I have ever done. I know you. You hate this life right know and despite how it sounds, tbe fact that you are pushing through says you love me more than anything in this world. That is the best feeling known to man. Our love is like none other than I have ever seen. It is that love that couples aspire to have. We have it... "
You are wrong. I love this life. I can't imagine living any other life than this. I wouldn't want it any other way. Of course Sea Duty is hard, but if it was easy - everyone would be doing it. This is making us stronger, more experienced, and dare I say, fall that much more in love with each other. You are protecting our family and protecting this country. Your service is honorable and as hard/difficult as it can be at times, I will always be here supporting you. This time in our lives is hard. I hate being away from you more than you will ever know. I miss our conversations. I miss your smile. I miss your prescence. (honestly right now - i just miss your up-to-date emails - come on already!) I love you more than anything, Trent. This is God's plan. And we both know His plan is much better than our own. You are literally 'pulling' me through this deployment. You are bringing me through with your love. Eh, well the cards are nice too, and the book... Okay and the emails.... Let's just say - your love surrounds me on a daily basis. I can't wait to be at the end of this - so we can look back and say "We spanked the dirty d-words BUTT!" Dare I say, we might even be thankful when all is said and done. Okay - I can't go that far. Not yet!
So now that I've documented this day - I can write you the email I've been wanting to write since I started this blog post. I can't let these 'crazies' in on all our conversations. Get ready, babe. I'm a hotmess. It's sure to be filled with more than enough emotion. ;-)
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NEW CHIEFS!
HONOR, COURAGE, & COMMITMENT
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