Do You Remember?
My Love,
Do you remember our last week together?
Do you remember swearing in?
Do you remember our first day apart?
We graduated, hiked, danced, rode roller coasters, and stargazed
You raised your right hand and repeated the binding words the officer spoke
Your friends took me out to see a movie, I was fine until I got home
Do you remember opening your first letter?
Do you remember my handwriting?
Do you remember counting down the days to graduating boot camp?
I cried when I saw the envelope with the Marine emblem and the flag being raised on Iwo Jima in gold on the front and Semper Fi written delicately on the back
You wrote tall skinny letters in cursive, some of it was smudged because you’re left handed
87 days lonely days
Do you remember the hour you earned the title of a Marine?
Do you remember the day you graduated boot camp?
Do you remember the ten days we were together?
Do you remember leaving for the second time?
I stayed up until 4am so we would both be awake when you were addressed as a Marine for the first time
We ate pizza, went to the beach and flew home late at night
We were happy and relaxing and visiting friends and family
It was hard knowing I wouldn’t be able to talk to you for another month
Do you remember the first time we video chatted?
Do you remember the 3 months apart?
Do you remember those virtual kisses and hugs?
The Wi-Fi kept dropping and it was too loud in the back round
Learning how to function independently but as a unit at the same time
If only the virtual could turn to reality
Do you remember surprising me the day after I got home for winter break?
Do you remember exchanging gifts at Christmas?
Do you remember New Years?
It was midnight and I didn’t know whether to cry, laugh or be happy so I did all three
You gave me gloves, warm leggings and socks and I gave you a handmade blanket to keep you warm and close to home
We had our first New Year’s kiss
Do you remember staying up all night then going to the airport at 3am?
Do you remember leaving me at the gate to board your plane?
We talked about our future and just spent our last hours in eachother’s arms
You kissed me and gave me a tight hug and said “See you later, stay strong”
I walked back to the car alone and drove for an hour in silence back to the house
These are some of the few memories that we will cherish until we can make more
With each time we are separated we grow strong through faith and love
Just remember I am always here waiting for my Marine
Just remember I love you
Semper Fi