For example, all kinds of people think that enlisting in the military after going to college automatically makes you a military officer. Not at all true. To be a military officer (well at least for the Army) there is an extensive application process, several recommendation letters needed, and an interview. THEN you need approval. THEN you wait.
This process began for my boyfriend in January of last year when we went for our first meeting at a recruiter's office. Since then, we have been putting our lives on hold... just waiting for the next step. This has gone on for over a year, and it has not been easy. But he never once wavered. He never once said, "I don't think I want to do this anymore," so we kept on going... and kept on waiting.
Today, the process finally ended and the next step can begin. My best friend is going to be an officer candidate in the United State's Army. And with that, everyone keeps saying, "This is going to be the start of a great adventure for the two of you!" Is it? It doesn't feel that way yet. We have a month before he leaves and 9 weeks until I can see him after that... does that sound like an adventure? It sounds scary. But let's not focus on that.
What the next month will be focused on is time together... and explaining to the dog where "Dad" is going for the next few months. I will keep you posted.