This sweet man of mine is finally home. Back with me. Back in our home. Back doing life together. I know I was quiet on here for the past six months. This little place felt like a place of our story, our weeks, and our adventures so it felt strange to write about my time without him. But deployment was our story and it was one of growth, adventure, learning, longing, and dreaming.
My six months in Nashville were so full. When Ben asked me what my hopes were for Nashville I replied that it would be a dream to have walks with friends, coffee shop mornings, pursuing photography a bit more, a place to call home, and a tangible sense of community. Goodness did Nashville exceed any dream I had. Nashville wiggled its way so deep into my heart and every single one of my hopes I had became reality. That may sound a bit dramatic, but when you move around a lot those little things start to mean the world to you.
Those six months I missed Ben sorely. I missed him in the small moments of the day, such as sharing morning coffee, and in the big moments, like our anniversary. I missed my travel pal, my wedding date, and my best friend. I missed getting to walk through hard times together and laugh about the silly things. I missed dinner conversations and always having my dance partner on hand. I just really missed him.
But, at the same time, these six months were just what we both needed. It was such a gift to both go after our own dreams and passions but still know that we are on each other’s team. I’m his #1 fan and I know I can say the same about him. We both fulfilled dreams and learned so much.
All that to say, it was a hard and wonderful six months, but boy am I glad you are home, Ben. Even though I had to pick you up at 1am in the morning, fell asleep in the car, and our battery died ;)
[…] Ben came home and all was well again! We spent a weekend in Wilmington for Ben’s Ironman race and hit the road for a few weddings in Virginia! […]