battles and reunions ...

Chris' point of view:

A couple weeks ago, I stumbled upon a song by the newly reformed Shiny Toy Guns. Some of the lyrics in the song have struck a chord with the situation Natalie and I are in. As well, these lyrics have been particularly meaningful to me in the last few days:

I can't sleep
I've lost the urge to sing..
Ten thousand miles apart
A frozen ocean joins our hearts
I can't wait to meet you when
The frozen waves meet ocean floors
You'll be standing on the shore
I can't wait to meet you then

Today I have thought about relationships in times of war. Young soldiers would leave their courageous women behind with a promise of return. Through their trials, the soldiers would hold tightly to the letters they would receive; simple yet restorative script written on golden paper. When the war was over, they would board ships set for home. There, standing on the shore would be their women waiting eagerly for their proven heroes.

I thought about these scenarios in relation to Natalie and I. While I am not fighting a war of freedom, or defense, or belief, I battle the pains of being away from her, the loneliness of not having her by my side and hearing her laugh. When the war is over, 'as the waves meet the ocean floors, you'll be standing on the shore. I can't wait to meet you then.'

it's so close but we're so far away ...

Chris' point of view:

Today is my birthday. - I am 26 years old. I have thought a lot this morning about where I have come from, where I am going, and the things in life that mean the most to me.
Life is, in a way, like stargazing: Some nights, its difficult to see the sparkling lights amidst the vast and consuming darkness. - Other nights, the stars have washed across the void; blankets of illumination. The fact of the matter is, while the stars are always there, while good things always happen in our lives, while there are always people that love us, it can be difficult to notice because of the distracting world around us.

I am a lucky one; there are 6 stars in my life that never dim, and always shine brightly through the pollution of the city: my Mom, my Dad, my sisters Kelsey, Alyssa, and Laura, and the love of my life - Natalie. I am so fortunate for these people.

Natalie has been on my mind often this week. She is such a wonderful support, such an amazing strength. I hear her laugh, I picture her smile, and it appears as though she is right above my head. However, despite how close her sparkling smile seems, we are still so far apart. I am so excited for her to come this month. It will be great to spend time with her while she is here; its one of the things I look forward to most in life.

My future is bright. I have had trials in life, some of them more difficult than others, but luckily I had the patience to wait long enough to spot the brightest star in my sky. (Honey, having you in my life is the best birthday present I could ever hope to have ... I love you.)