AN: *yawns.* Thank you to all the men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day. You all have sacrificed so much. I truly appreciate it.

A Thousand Miles

By: anybodihearme

Originally Uploaded: Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Dear Kevin,

I know you miss me terribly. I miss you too. Not a day goes by that my heart fails to ache from not seeing your handsome smile and feeling the sweet touch of your skin. I know I told you that I would be strong these sixteen months but having you a thousand miles away from me just makes me worry to no end. I can't help but think about all the if's, and's, and but's. It's horrible of me to admit but I'm not as strong as you. I wish you were here in my arms so my mind and heart would be at ease. I didn't plan on this letter being forlorn and depressing because I know your position in this is probably ten times worse than mine. Every night I get to sleep in our king size bed while you probably sleep on a cold hard cot somewhere in the Middle East. Here I go again with the depressing matters. I'm sorry. Let's change the topic.

What's the weather like where you are? I know you couldn't tell me exactly where you were getting deployed to and only the general area but I can't help but wonder. What are the days and nights like? Is the sky the same as it is here? Can you see the stars? What kind of animals have you encountered? I saw on the news a few days ago about how soldiers somehow always end up running into those camel spiders. I would probably cry if I saw one of those. Please stay away from them. I got obsessed and did some research yesterday. I know they aren't poisonous but they can do some pretty heavy damage. I'd like you to be in one piece and not covered in spider bites, okay? What do you do in your downtime? I know you're busy majority of the time but when you're not, what do you? Do you read? You need to read. I'm sending you a care package filled with your favorite sweets and some survival gear. I'll include some books, magazines, and crosswords so you'll to have something to do when you have some time on your hands. Do you want me to send you anything specific? Let me know.

I saw your parents yesterday. They stopped by and cooked me dinner, well actually your mom cooked me dinner. Your dad mostly sat on the couch and yelled at the TV. He got sucked into the baseball game that was on last night. Sorry honey, your beloved Red Sox lost to the Padres: 1-2. They'll get them next time. Anyway, your mom made her famous lasagna and guess who learned how to make it? I did! I feel so proud of myself! It was actually harder than it looked. I can't wait to make it for you when you come home. I hope you'll like it even thought I could never top your mother's culinary skills. I love that woman.

I'm thinking about remodeling the spare bedroom. Not the guest bedroom, the spare bedroom. We don't use it and it's only filled to the brim with junk (your junk, not mine). I was thinking of converting it into a home office. It would be a lot easier for me so I wouldn't have to constantly go back and forth to the office every other day when I can simply work from home. It'll save a lot of money too. Yah, I think I'm just going to do a home renovation. What do you think? I'll get Ed and Eddy to help me. I'm getting excited just thinking about it. What type of layout should I go with? Decisions, decisions, decisions. You're better at designing than I am so I'm going to need your help on this. This is going to be fun.

Duke misses you. He sleeps on your side of the bed every night. Yesterday I went to change the pillow sheets and he growled at me for touching your pillow! He was not happy with me touching your belongings. You need to have a talk with him when you get back because this type of disrespect is not acceptable. I don't know what's got into him. Maybe he's hitting that teenage stage in dog years. Is that even possible? Oh my God, we have a "teenage dog." I'm not ready for this. Is there a book that prepares you for this and gives you tips? Let's not worry about that right now. I'll probably give myself gray hairs just thinking about it. What have I got myself into. I need a support group. I need your support.

I miss you. I can't wait to see you. I love you.

I can probably sit here for hours and write about anything and everything for you but I won't. I know you don't have the luxury of time to read a long letter so I'll end it here for now. I can't wait to hear from you. Promise me one thing, you'll take care of yourself. No matter what, do what you have to do so you'll come back to me. Just come back, okay? Come back.

You're my hero USMC First Sergeant Barr.

I love you.

- Eddward