You wouldn't understand

If you have never loved a Marine, then you wouldn’t know how it feels to watch him leave, never knowing when you will see his face again.
You wouldn’t know the pain endured and tears shed with every good-bye.
You wouldn’t know how it feels to cry yourself to sleep for months on end, and the longing to simply touch his cheek.
You wouldn’t know the heartache after missing his long awaited call or the hint of happiness when you realize that you are now able to listen to the voicemail over and over again.
You wouldn’t understand why a Friday night on the phone with him beats going out with the girls.
You haven’t truly felt the lack of sleep until after those long phone calls that go on until midnight his time, six A.M. yours when you have to get up for work at seven.
If you’ve never loved a Marine you wouldn’t know what it’s like to hear yet another Marine was killed, and then pray real hard that yours is alright.
You wouldn’t know how it feels to go to a restaurant, attempting not to notice couples holding hands, trying to hold back tears, knowing it will be twenty seven weeks until your fingers are once more intertwined in his.
If you’ve never had a Marine sweetheart, you would never be able to comprehend the immense pride that fills your smile when you wear his sweatshirt with 'USMC' across your chest, or the reason you wear his dog tags: to always keep him close to your heart♥.
You wouldn’t know what its like to cuddle up in his clothes and grasp the teddy bear he made you last week, knowing that its the closest to him you can get.
You wouldn’t understand how decorating the back of your car with bumper stickers could ever be cool, and the connection you feel with another whose car wears the same emblem as your own.
You wouldn’t know the sacrifice, the willingness to allow his life to shape your own.
You wouldn’t know the feeling of uncertainty, never knowing where he will be sent next year, or next week.
If you’ve never loved a Marine, you would never fully know the meaning of the phrase: 'Semper Fi.'
You wouldn’t be able to comprehend the anxiousness of waiting for the mailman, the extreme joy when a letter finally arrives, and the tears that follows as you read his quick scribbled handwriting.
You wouldn’t understand the anticipation leading up to the day when you can once again hold him in your arms.
You wouldn’t know why that feeling of awe over a man in uniform, has suddenly become a deep longing and grief because you miss your man so much.
If your heart has never belonged to a Marine you wouldn’t know what it’s like to become ecstatic when you see a man in dress blues across a billboard, freak out when you watch the commercial on T.V., and go ballistic when you read a sign that says ‘Support our Troop, Bring Them Home!’
You wouldn’t understand this because you do not realize that he wanted to fight, and as much as you need him, you know our country needed him more.
Unless you've loved a Marine, you wouldn’t know that the meaning behind his girl’s smile is heartache and longing, pride and joy, willingness and uncertainty, and a love great enough to cross oceans, encompass deserts, transcend mountains, and overcome anything that comes between the two of them.

One of my "marine wife friends" had this so I stole it from her, because that is EXACTLY what it's like to love a United States Marine.Let me tell you something too my Marine is a hell of a lot better than YOUR civilian. (sorry but I think so) He is the greatest, most selfless person I know. Doing whatever is asked of him without pissing and moaning about it. He makes me laugh like no other, and smile and be happy constantly. Reminds me to be happy at work and be the best I can.
I was reading while he was watching a movie on his laptop the other night... and he looked at me and kissed me and I knew I made the right choice. I knew I made a good decision to wait out a deployment and see where things ended up. I knew I made a good decision on marrying him. He is my best good friend and we enjoy being with each other. He's my other half and we're stuck together til forever ends... plus 3 days.

Be thankful for what you have... kiss slowly, laugh often, love much. Forget the little things and cherish the one you have.

Love you David James.

Then


Now