Basic Training Graduation

So I am sitting in the Airport waiting to fly back to Utah from South Carolina. What an amazing trip. It was really neat watching the graduation ceremony. Watching as about 1500 soldiers marched together and recited the Soldier's Creed in unison.
As Chase marched past me, my heart skipped a beat and I knew that this is our life now. I am not sure if it will be 4 years, 10 years or career, but I know that he will enjoy every moment of it. This life style just fits him. It fits us!
It still seems so surreal in many ways that I actually got to see him. It was bitter-sweet. It was fun to see him but it almost seems like a huge tease because I could not see him for more than about 20 hours (10 hours each day).
Plus to make it worse, I found out this weekend, that anytime he is in uniform and in public, there is no Public Displays of Affection (PDA). PDA includes hugs longer than 3 seconds, holding hands, arms around waist or shoulder...basically no touching of any kind that could be construed as affectionate. It was hard, I kept forgetting and trying to hold his hand as we walked, and he would kindly remind me. But it was sad, because I had not seen him for just under 7 weeks and I could not hold his hand or anything until we returned to our car, since that is not considered a public area.
On a happy note, there are two fellow soldiers that were in Chases company, who also went to church with Chase every Sunday and these soldiers feel pretty close and I got to meet the wives this weekend and it was nice to spend time with them and get to know them. We switched numbers and so we can stay in contact and I really think that they will be life long friends. It was fun to feel like there are other people who are experiencing the same thing that I am and we can help each other get through these hard times. When we got back to the hotel, cause we shared a hotel for the weekend, we would laugh about all the funny stories that our husbands would talk about and we complained together about the fact that holding hands in considered PDA and other funny things. It was really fun to meet these women and know that not only can we support each other in these military experiences but we can support each other in the gospel. What a tender mercy of the Lord to have found such wonderful support and friends.
Thank you for you support in us and the love that you show us. I am so very grateful for all that we have and I know that we are so blessed by our friends and family prayers that are said in our behalf. Thank you so much!
Chase does not know his new address yet, but as soon as I find out what it is, I will let you all know. Thanks and hope you have a wonderful day! Keep a smile on your face...life is beautiful! -- Chase 'n Ashlee