3 weeks

[Traci (Perry's wife Nuke EM)]

Wednesday was the three week mark and the feeling this week is completely different than last week. I've now received two letters from Perry and honestly, hearing from him and hearing what he's going through makes all the difference. A lot of my worry and sadness had to do with the fear of the unknown. Being a pretty typical female I was SURE I could feel him being miserable. hahaha. Well I was wrong. He sounds fantastic. Not a single complaint and it sounds like he's coming into his own and adjusting extremely well. My husband has always loved structure and detailed instruction and now that he's getting that on a constant basis I think he's really in his element. There is such a great feeling of relief knowing that he is safe, happy, and healthy.
My thoughts now are on his phone call. I have a feeling its coming soon and I really can't wait for it. Just to spend a few moments hearing his voice and getting to connect in a more personal way will really push me through and get me through the next few weeks a lot easier.
I've kept busy while Perry's been gone and it definitely makes all the difference. During the day I focus on myself and some home improvement projects and before bed every night I write him a letter. A letter goes out in the mail every single day (except Sundays of course). I've also got family and friends writing to him so I'm sure he's getting plenty of mail. In his last letter he said that he's so busy during the week that he doesn't really get to think about anything except what he's doing, but when he reads my letters he wants nothing more than to be with me. Love!
All in all we're doing well. Both of us. This time apart is giving us both a chance to reflect on a lot of things and we're finding out that space is crucial in a marriage. Prior to boot camp we were spending practically 24/7 together and it was driving us both a little crazy and we started taking each other for granted. But now, this space has led to us both appreciating even the smallest of things and I find myself missing things about Perry that I didn't even realize I loved. Little quirks and mannerisms. The smattering of freckles on his face and his endlessly long eyelashes. For a lot of couples, the busy schedule that the military brings can really put a strain on a relationship. But for me, I think the time apart will make the time together so much more meaningful and special. We'll treasure every second so much more.
So at the 3 week mark, I'm doing well and from what he writes, he is too. Let's see what the next week brings!

[Rachel (Boone's Wife, Nuke EM)]

All I can say is thank you. I'm not even at the close of week 1 and I am feeling exactly as you described - fighting worry and sadness. Boone is very detail oriented - just as it sounds your husband is - and if your husband is doing so well, then so is mine. You helped set my heart at ease. I still can't wait to hear from him, to get those letters and make sure, but I can wait for that if I feel confident that he's not unhappy.

And I also have to agree - I feel like this separation will really serve to keep a fire in our marriage as well. I really can't wait to see my darling! And this separation has already brought to my mind the dear little things that he does that only make me love him more.

Again, thank you for sharing!