"We still share the same sky..."

This piece was actually created about a week ago, for my honey, during one of my "I'm missing you here with me" moments. He's away with the Army right now, and this week especially has had many of those moments.

I am only just now posting an art diary entry about this piece because it's not an easy subject to talk about, except with those who are extremely close. It takes a lot of strength to remain positive and supportive, encouraging and loving, when inside you really feel helpless to comfort the one who has your heart. Love is a powerful thing, and this is the first time that I've found myself not loving someone because I need them, but needing them because I love them. I have fears and worries... that comes with the territory when you care, and I am always in touch with reality. But I refuse to put those thoughts on him, and instead remind him of the happy things, because I feel that it is my job, and the best thing that I can do, to give him reasons to smile.

An old friend, whose husband is in the Navy, sent me this in an email on Facebook this morning...

Military Girlfriend Motto

"I am a military girlfriend. I hold no formal recognition with the powers that be. I am at the bottom of the chain. I hold no Military ID card; I am not a "dependent" or parent. The man I love may face unspeakable dangers, and I am at the mercy of those who possess this recognition for news. I understand this and accept this.

I am a military girlfriend. I have promised to be here for him upon his return, no matter how long he is away. People may say I am insane for making such a commitment with no gaurantees, but I hold onto our promises and have faith that he will come home safe to me. I know full well that my love for him fuels him in the worst of times.

I am a military girlfriend. There is no ring on my finger to symbolize our commitment, though I love him no less for it. I hope every day that he will be able to call because a simple 30-second phone call can bring the greatest spectrum of emotions... smiling with tears in my eyes from so much joy and pain. My relationship is based on brief communication where "I love you and I'm okay" speaks more than volumes and gives me the strength to keep going.

I am a military girlfriend. I take no moment spent together for granted. I hold onto every touch, caress, kiss, and every word. I have memorized the feel of his skin, his smell, the sound of his voice, and I play it over and over in my head so that I will not forget. I cry myself to sleep some nights because missing him hurts so badly, but wake up the next morning, brush myself off, and start a new day.

I am a military girlfriend. The events of the next several months hold my life, my love, and my future in the balance. When you watch the news reports, you may turn away and go about your business relatively unaffected. When I watch the news, stories of the war, I do not see nameless soldiers a half a world away. I see individuals who will be forever changed by the war. News of everyday casualties causes me physical pain and deep sadness.

I am a military girlfriend, not a spouse or family member. When you say your prayers for the wives, mothers, and fathers, please dont forget about me too."

You are my inspiration, my biggest source of emotional support and encouragement... and you and my child are my light. It's my turn to be the same for you and remind you every day that you're here with me, and I'm there with you, as long as you have my heart...