Long-distance relationships

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Permalink Reply by Navy Aunt (AF Wife) on November 12, 2009 at 10:53am

I believe it will be feasible for you two to maintain your relationship, it will just take more commitment, dedication and love on your parts during times when you are separated. It's great that you both are in the armed forces and you are so right about him being able to stay at other bases. I know Misawa AB has all branches stationed in the arena. My husband and I had a 4 year long distance relationship before we were married. I was not in the military and I am sure what we went through will be easier than what you are about to face. My husband and I know several couples that have had long distance relationships and most had happy endings. However, I think they were all in the same branch of service. I'll ask him if he knows anyone he works with that has gone through a similiar situation. And thank you to you and your airman for serving our country--you all are heroes in my book!!!

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Permalink Reply by Paula on November 12, 2009 at 11:43am

I don't kow how old you both are, is it feasable sure anything is. My son was 19 when he joined,his girlfriend finsihing high school back home. She is now in college in another state but the manage to work it out. They are also very young and have their stupid fights and break up and get back together. I know they love each other and I would love to have her as a daughter in law someday. They are both smart, she will finish college and Guess what if they last, IT WAS MEANT TO BE if not it was a great experience. Besides what else will you do in BC, maybe he will be your positive focal point. His letters will i nspire you especially because he has been thru this. I wish you both the best of luck and Honey don't ever apologize for asking a question. That is what this site is for, I am sure it has been asked before but every questions changes due to every person that asked it!

I personally am very proud of both of you!

Paula (PROUD Navy Mom)

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Permalink Reply by Lady Hamilton on November 12, 2009 at 11:46am

I'm living proof that it is feasible.

My Mom and Dad met in 1939. Dad was a farm boy from Dixon, IL going through BC and A school at Great Lakes. Mom had recently graduated from high school and had literally grown up at Great Lakes; Her Dad, my Grandfather, was head grounds-keeper at Great Lakes from the early 1920's through WWII.

Well, they fell head over heels in love. Mom went out to Dixon (about 100 miles west of GL) to meet his folks. Things were pretty serious by the time Dad shipped out to join the fleet in San Diego.

They somehow managed to keep the romance alive entirely by snail mail through 1939, 40 and 41. In 1941 the fleet relocated to Hawaii and they talked about Mom going out there and a wedding under the palm trees.

The Japanese messed up that idea on December 7, 1941. My Dads ship (USS Whitney AD-4) pulled through that day without a scratch, but for the next year and a half he was working overtime in the South Pacific. But the love letters kept flowing.

In 1943 Dad recieved orders to return the west coast. Mom took a train to San Francisco to welcome him back. Marriage
was considered, but it was decided to hold off until the war was over. Mom went home, and Dad was shipped off the Norfolk for extra training.

More letters. But when Dad learned that after his training in Norfolk he would be sent to Boston for at least 6 months fitting out a new destroyer escort, Mom was back on a train heading for the east coast. Within days they were married at the base chapel in Norfolk. And lived happily ever after, really.

So, yes, it can work out. But let's emphasize WORK. I may be a bit predjudiced, but I think my folks were a couple of very special people with a very special love that they both worked very hard to keep alive.

Fast forward to the present. My daughter has been in a long distance romance since leaving San Diego last January. But there is baggage involved: He had a short lived marriage that could not stand up to the long seperations. We get to meet the young man for the first time when he comes east to join us for Thanksgiving. We'll have to see how this plays out.

Emma

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