Jon and I are now halfway through this stretch of long distance. I left London on January 4 and I fly back to England on April 20. That's 106 days apart, one more than right after I moved back to DC at the end of May. With all of my heart, I hope that this is the longest time we'll ever spend on opposite sides of an ocean, but it's doubtful; I'm afraid that the visa process that we'll go face after we get married is going to make us feel even more helpless than we do now.
A few bloggers have written on the darker (or at least more private) sides of their relationships recently - my favorites are by Jenna, Whitney, and Jenni - and it's encouraged me to share something with you, dear readers. One of the most frustrating and, actually, scariest things about what Jon and I are doing right now is that no one talks about how bad it really can get. Here's what you usually hear about long distance relationships:
It was tough and we got through it.
or
It was impossible and we broke up.
Here's what you never hear: it was impossible and we got through it.
That's where Jon and I are. Our long distance relationship is challenging us in ways we never thought we'd be able to endure together. It is impossible - but we'll get through it. Without Jon's love, generosity, and understanding - well, we wouldn't be in this situation if he hadn't won me over with all of that and more. Also, though, you in the blog community have been a huge help. Many of my readers, followers, and friends have provided a non-judgmental ear, a comforting shoulder, or an optimistic word exactly when I've needed it regardless of whether or not you've been in a similar place in your own life. So for that, thank you. We're halfway through and we'll make it all the way and thank you for being there with us.
