Another oldie but a goodie!

This post is a writing that I did a few years back as well... enjoy!

I suppose at this point I have become a deployment veteran... Three deployments in and you start to feel like there should be a ribbon for being a significant other. I started to feel this way the other day when I was interning at the USO and a Marine asked me if I myself was in the military and I began to reflect. I think it was because at times I feel like my life has become my Marine and his corps. I put so much into my life loving a Marine that sometimes I feel lost. During deployments I wait by my lap top or keep my phone within my sight at all times but it wasnt until last week that I really remembered why. Of course I always remember that I love my Marine with all my heart but last week through my internship I escorted a group of Marines during an honor guard ceremony as they took care of a deceased Marine who was passing through the airport on his way home to his final resting place. I felt such honor and pride as I walked with these Marines through the airport. I felt respect and sadness as I stood on the tarmack and watched them fold the flag that lay over their fallen brother. I felt connected as they returned to the terminal in tears as civilians clapped for them. It was then that I remembered that the reason that I have let my life become so devoted and tied to the Marine corps is because I simply can not help it.
I can not help who I have fallen in love with and I can not help but understand that his job is one that not everyone does because it is one that belongs to a hero. So I cling to the things that will bring me close to him while he is gone as I make it through another deployment. This is nothing that deserves a ribbon or medal as sometimes during times of frustration I think that it may. This is something that he deserves... that every Marine and service member deserves. Simply to have someone waiting for them if we are blessed enough to have them return home safely. After three deployments it is now no mystery why Semper Fi means so very much.