Dear Marine,

I know Cody just checked in here so he won't be back for a few days, which makes me want to write about him! I haven't written a letter to the boy in quite some time, but I wrote one a day while he was away. And I became quite the poet. Just kidding! It's amazing how attached you get to writing on a regular basis. I miss it, so... Today I'm going to write to him again. You may not want to read it. You may love to read it. The decision is yours.

Cody,

It's been way too long since I have seen your face. Granted we just facetimed last weekend, but that doesn't cut it for me. I want to see your face in real time. Soon enough, boy. Soon enough. You better start looking for Halloween things to do while I'm there!

Have I told you lately just how special you are? Probably not, because you have been so busy with your nose in your books. It amazes me. I knew you were smart, but I guess your fabulous grades and motivation in high school and PCC was shadowing my judgement. I have never once doubted your ability to pass this class with flying colors. I can see that you get frustrated some days because the concept hasn't quite stuck yet. Keep your chin up, I know that once you get your head set on something, you don't give up. I haven't once seen you fail something when you were determined to succeed. And you ooze determination right now.

You are absolutely amazing. You don't see it, I know, but trust me on this one. I'm not sure you realize the amount of people that are out there supporting you. Perhaps the fault lies partly on them for not telling you, or perhaps it lies partly on you for blinding yourself to it. I actually had the president of APO come up to me and ask how you were. He got your name right and everything. I was beyond impressed. These people wouldn't be around supporting you if you didn't mean something to them (okay, Greg has never met you but ignore that point). You can bring almost anybody's spirits up and your quick wit will knock them right out of their chair. You have a heart bigger than most, although you will quickly disagree with that since Marine's don't have hearts. Pshaw.

I want you to appreciate and enjoy your time in Pensacola. I know that you are ready to leave, but you can't have these moments back. Take advantage of it. I'll be waiting whether you're miserable or not so enjoy it.

The girls are coming down this weekend. I cannot wait to see them. I'm not actually sure the last time I saw Kami in person. It has been way too long. This is another disadvantage of you not being home.

On that note, I don't want you home. Okay. I do. But you can't stay. You have to continue doing this for yourself. You were bored and restless at home. I am beyond proud of you and all that you have accomplished in these 8 months. You have made such a huge change in your life and who you are. And I'm excited that the you I fell in love with didn't leave - he just grew up a little. I am waiting for the day that home has a new location for the two of us and this commuting from one place to the other ends. At least for a few days.

I can't imagine my life without you and I hope I never have to. You have become more than just a boyfriend to me and there is no way you could ever be replaced. I hope you have a fabulous few days of little to no studying (go play with Kyle?).

I love you to the moon and back.
Miss ya,