Dearest R,

Would you believe I got your letter on Valentine’s Day? It’s the best Valentine’s Day present I could have asked for. I’m sorry you’re having such a terrible time, and I wish the war would end and you could come home early. I wish for it every day.

But you should be home just in time for your birthday. I promise I’ll make that special for you. Anything you want, just name it, and if it’s within my power to see it done, then I will.

Of course I told my mom about you! You’re constantly in my thoughts, every day and every night. Especially at night, if you know what I mean. I told my mom that yes, it’s crazy because we just met. We only had one weekend together, but through our letters, I feel you know me better than anyone else. I told her I’ve fallen in love with you. And when you wrote about how you feel about me, I hope it’s love you feel for me too.

I want you to know I’m not seeing anyone else. There hasn’t been anyone else. You captured my heart that day back in August, and I don’t want anyone else but you.

And I’m honored that you think about me, to help you get through tough times over there. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I still watch the news, and I see the guns and the helicopters and the injuries, and I still can’t imagine it.

I can’t imagine the fear you feel.

College is taking up the majority of my time now. It’s only three months until I graduate! That’s exciting and scary at the same time. So all of my time is taken up with research and study, and when I’m not at the library being a total book buster, I’m thinking about you.

I looked up where Binh Phuoc was on a map. Wow. Kinda doesn’t seem real that you’re so far away, but when I see it on a map, it brings it home. You really are on the other side of the world. I’m grateful for our letters; they keep me sane as well. I watch the calendar waiting for each reply. Around the three-week mark and every day over that, I have a lump of dread in my belly.

If your letter is just a day or two late, I become sick with worry.

In light of Valentine’s Day, I’m putting together another small package. Even though it’s nothing too exciting, I hope it brings you some comfort. I like the idea of you getting small gifts. It doesn’t have to be a birthday or Christmas. I would do it for no other reason than to perhaps put a smile on your face.

I’m sorry your parents haven’t replied. I wish they could see what a remarkable man you are. I wish they knew you didn’t have to go to war to prove that you’re brave. The man who took a chance at Woodstock, who made a list of all the things he’d never done and checked each one off, the man who finally saw that he deserved to be happy. That takes more courage than most men are capable of. Don’t ever forget that.

We had a big snowstorm, which must seem a world away from you right now. Maybe when you get back in time for winter we can make some snow angels and a snowman. Then maybe thaw out together in front of the fire…

Well, I hope you enjoy the care package I put together for you. Please take care, and make sure you come home to me.

All my love,

G