TOGETHER

Ryan came to visit me in the Denver area after his intense officer training session in Rhode Island. He flew back to San Francisco, then to Denver-- many air miles, and a spackling of in-flight movies.

It was such a marvelous 6 days together. We both had been counting down the weeks, and days, and hours for quite some time and at last... we were able to hug each other tenderly and tight at baggage claim 8.  The following days lingered and mostly speed by, sometimes matching up to appropriate slow-motion moments but rarely.

We packed in a lot in those days, including 8 inches of fresh fallen snow in one night!! (Bliss.)

Ryan had his new fancy officer dress uniforms which he proudly showed off. ...it is amazing to see his heart for the people who are serving in the military. His care for them has allowed my heart to be open to God softening my own perspective and heart-frame into something that reflects care as well towards individuals in this subculture.

Additionally, I am moving into another space so Ryan helped to transfer my furniture into a U-hual pickup and off to the storage unit. I was reminded that this man is so strong! I was and am thankful for his practical willingness with such an unexciting task.

The time together was wonderful, and normal, and good. As I write now, tiny tears well up. I don't think Ryan, nor I, anticipated this part of the relationship. Long distance relationships are rough. First, they are a blast and exciting jaunted weekend excursions, and then it seems intense heart ache and discontented longings. It has been a thrilling relationship, and surely not boring-- even in the couch-moving minutes... Even so, I long to be content again. So, with distance that separates now, and anticipated distance that may separate us in the futures- I long to be content and I will choose to be content despite feelings, and emotions. So, whether it is face-to-face, or screen-to-screen this dude I'm dating has proven to be pretty rad, and quite wonderful and I hope he sticks around for a bit.