Saying "See ya Later"

Throughout Ryan's time in the Marine Corps I've had to say "see ya later" to him more than I ever thought I would. Yes I knew that he would be away a lot, but saying goodbye to the love of your life constantly isn't really something that you can prepare for. Being a Marine Girlfriend requires a lot of on the job training. So, today I was going to share some instances when I had to say "see ya later" to Ryan.

The first time that we parted ways we had only been dating for 3 months and he was heading off to begin his journey with the Marine Corps by going to boot camp. He swore in the day after Mother's Day, but I couldn't attend the ceremony because I was starting my first day at work. I wanted to be there more than anything, but it just didn't work out that way. I said my "see ya later"s to him on Mother's day since I couldn't make it to his swearing in. When I said my last goodbye I thought nothing could ever compare to the pain I felt that day. I couldn't see in the future though--and there was even more heartache awaiting me there.

Our first reunion was at family day when we were in San Diego to celebrate his boot camp graduation. I caught my first glimpse of him during the Moto Run and I picked him out right away. I could feel my heart fluttering while my eyes began to well up with tears. After that moment, nothing else mattered that day. We had Family Briefings that meant nothing to me. The only thing I could think about was that first hug from Ryan. When I finally got my hug I never wanted it to end. Just like after he came home I never wanted him to leave. But he did leave--10 days later. So I said goodbye to him once again.

This time I actually had the blessing of taking him to the airport since his flight was leaving so early in the morning and the airport is very close to where I work. The only upside this time was that Ryan would take his phone with him. I heard from him a lot less than I was promised, but I made it through.

My next "hello" was 4 months later over Christmas and it was just as wonderful as when he came home last time. I literally fall in love with him all over again every time I see him. That's the great thing about this lifestyle! Even though I say "see ya later" frequently, I get to say "hello" and really appreciate Ryan's presence.

I will only talk about one more "see ya later" because this is the biggest one I've said to date. As many of you know, Ryan came home for 13 days when he got orders to go to Japan and that was great! But saying goodbye is always hard. I took him to the airport and got a special pass to get in the terminal with him (as long as your Marine has his orders and you have your ID, you can go through security to get in the terminal for when he leaves). We were planning on getting breakfast, but I felt so sick to my stomach just thinking of him leaving. So, we just sat by his gate and didn't say too much until they started boarding his plane. One last hug and kiss (since people aren't allowed in the terminal anymore unless they have a flight, it looks so strange to people when they see a couple saying goodbye and crying...) and he boarded the plane. That was it.

I'm sure there are many "see ya later"s in my future with Ryan, but saying goodbye for him to go to Japan has been the hardest to date. Since that goodbye was so hard I know that our next "hello" will be even more wonderful than all the others. I still don't know when I will see him again, but that is part of dating a Marine. I love him more than anything and it's worth it.

I'm sorry that I got so personal today! There are just some days I need to remember why I do, what I do. Remembering the hard times I've had with Ryan and how we overcame them (and continue to over come them) makes me even more proud to call him mine!