Two years since being reunited after two years.
Hundreds of emails and letters signed with "Always" and sealed with "I love you"s.
Shane got home from serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints two years ago today. When he left in August of 2015, he left his life, family, school, technology, and everything he knew and loved (me) to serve God and the people of South Africa for two years.
It's kind of a norm in Utah, but I think it's important to commend anyone who even considers serving a mission, no matter how long or where they serve. The desire to leave your family for two years, only communicate with them via email once a week (that's changed now, but that's how it was for him), often up and move to a foreign country, learn a new language in a new culture, and knock on strangers' doors to share your beliefs–as an 18-year-old! It's an incredible feat alone.
Our two-year, long-distance relationship across 10,342 wasn't always easy. Despite the unsolicited "two years is a long time" and "people change" anecdotes I received (if you said this, don't feel bad, it only fueled my fire to make it work lol), we did it.
Being apart and only communicating through emails, handwritten letters, and care packages allowed us to grow closer to each other in such a special way. It helped our minds and hearts become more kindred. We know nearly everything about each other. I swear, I've told him every story I have to tell at least twice (he makes sure to remind me). However much I missed him, I am so grateful for that we made it work and pushed through for the incredible and eternal bond and the relationship we have now.
While living individual and completely different lives for two years, we grew together. We gave as much support as we leaned on each other. We celebrated the highs and were there for each other in the lows. We weren't perfect (as no teenage relationship is), but we made it happen. And here we are today–the future I dreamed about every day for two years. We've been married for just over a year and a half, and I honestly couldn't wish for anything else. I have everything I ever dreamed of and more with him, our love, and our simple life together.
Dearest Husband,
It's been 2 years since 2 years. About 4 1/2 since that infamous Jimmy John's lunch. From going "stag" together to Prom 2015. To writing xoxo's and ngiyakuthandas. Having our first kiss after two years at the same place our first first kiss took place 2 1/2 years before. To lantern festivals and date nights that led to you down on one knee. To that perfect, heavenly day in the temple and that lovely evening on the dance floor. Through DSU, UVU, summer in Arizona, and road trips in between, I'm grateful for every glance, every song-filled car ride, every dinner on the couch + Hulu night, all the meme-scrolling laughter, every hug when I'm down, your unmoving support, each "I love you," and how you kissed me and fixed my blankets each morning this summer before leaving to work.
Through all the anniversaries, celebrations, and regular days of eternity, I love you, Shane Rasmussen.
Always,
Your girl back home, Angelie
P.S. xoxo
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