As 2013 is coming to a close, I can't help but reflect on how totally crazy 2013 was for Andrew and I. Andrew spent the majoriy of 2013 overseas in Afghanistan, while I spent them here at home waiting for his return. Andrew left in December of 2012, just two days after he dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife.
Janurary 2013.
I turned 21! Andrew adjusted to his new life for the next year in Afghanistan. At first, he kind of liked it, but that changed. It wasn't long before he was ready to be home. In Janurary my wedding dress was bought too! I learned a lot in Janurary, I learned what it would be like to have my best friend and fiance half way accross the world with very little contact. I learned how much I could rely on my family and friends for support, and they probably learned how annoying I can be. Haha.
Feburary- April.
This is when things got long. Every day seemed like a struggle. Andrew was full swing into daily life in Afghanistan and I was full swing into nursing school. I filled my night with studing for exam after exam and memorizing drugs with names I could not even begin to pronouce correctly. I remember being so excited for April to end because I was looking forward to starting my internship at the KCVA Medical Center and because I was looking forward to moving back home (Silly, I know). Once it was summer though, I could go full speed ahead into the crazy wedding planning madness without worry.
May.
May came, I have two words. Finals. Freedom. Finals were brutal, but I made it. Haha. May was a rough month for Andrew as they lost one of their brother in arms, but they had each other and great support back here at home.
June-August.
Planning, planning, and more planning. Thats what the summer consisted of. As well as work, work, and more work. School started again. I found Andrew and I's first home, painted and decorated and got all moved in. Now it was some more waiting until he was home and could join me in our new home.
September.
This was by far the best month of the year. At least up through October. Haha. Labor day weekend came and then FINALLY that Monday Andrew boarded a plane out of Texas, landed at KCI, hopped on a bus to Belton where we were waiting. I can't really describe the feelings I felt when I saw him walk off that bus. This was the day I dreamed out for the last year and I couldn't believe it was actually really here. The minute he was released, I hoppped over the concrete barriers and ran into his arms. Yes, I cried. It was so perfect. He was extremely happy to be home. September was a grreat month for us, but we lost a dearly loved family member. Andrew's Grandmother "G-baby" passed away. So we made a trip up to Illinois for some family time. It was nice to see everyone considering the circumstances. We know she's in a better place and that she'll always be a very important part in our life. She was really looking forward to the wedding, but we know she was there and had the best seat in the house.
October.
10.19.2013. The best day of 2013. Don't get my wrong, homecoming was absolutely perfect, but nothing compares to marrying your best friend. I'd been waiting for that day since I was 14! Looking back it's totally crazy to think that I fell in love at 14 and 7 years later married the goofy boy from high school.
November-December.
These last couple months have been kind of a blur. School was crazy busy, we made a trip to Chicago, St. Louis, and to Mexico. We had a great time every where we went. Andrew saw lots of Bears games this season and I even managed to get him to a Chiefs game! Our life over 2013 had it's ups and downs. We struggled and cried and laughed. We spent most of the year apart, which is why we are looking forward to 2014 and spending our first year together as husband and wife.
