Putting Matthew on the Airplane

I cannot believe the day is already here. March 4. Today's date seemed so far away back in October. I remember being so frustrated that he was leaving in March rather than in January, as we had originally been told. And yet, here we are. Seven months and one day after being married, and we are now separated.

Last night after dinner Matthew went to the hotel and this morning got up bright and early to do testing and such. By 11 he was swearing in - officially active duty. From here on (for a while anyway) he will be known as Airman First Class Gleaton. At 1:15 this afternoon we (my mom, his mom, and our niece) met Matthew at the Kansas City Airport. By 2:00 he had to walk through the gate. It would never be enough time, but it was time to say goodbye.

A few (okay a lot) hugs and kisses later, Matthew walked away from us and toward the gate. We stayed just long enough for him make it through the gate. Yes, I cried. I also cried in the van as we left. I hate crying, even though everyone says this is an okay reason for me to cry. I still don't like it. Then, he texted me "I love you" one more time and flew off. He called me during dinner when he landed in Dallas. Right about now (5:45) he will leave for San Antonio, where he will call me when he lands. After that he will call me within the next 72 hours and then I won't hear from him except through letters. I hope we are ready for this.

Watching Matthew walk through that gate was the hardest thing I've had to so far in my life. I never thought that I could love someone so much and be so attached to them. Matthew has become such a huge part of my world, and it is going to be so hard living without him. I'm almost dreading going back to Springfield tomorrow because I'll have to sleep alone in our bed. (Thankfully I have my kitties.) Matthew & I will not share a bed for at least six months. And we will be apart (minus twice) for ten months.

I really can't believe that we are officially a military family. He's active duty military. I'm a military spouse. Holy cow. How is this even possible? I'm glad we are finally moving forward, but I already miss my husband. There are only three things that will get me through this: GOD, family/friends, and my cats.

I can't even express how incredibly proud of Matthew I am for serving our country. He's going into a very difficult job (Airborne Crypto-Linguist), and I admire him for committing the next six years of his life to that and to the United States. It's not something I could do, and I think he is amazing for it. I never thought I could love him this much, and it grows just about every day. He blows me away every single day.

The next six years (maybe 20, who knows) are going to be quite the adventure, and I'm SO looking forward to documenting each and every fun/sad/exciting/stressful/crazy moment here.