1985

It's hard to believe it's already been a year since Mark and I started dating. The time has flown by, but the feelings between us have only grown stronger.

When we first got together, I'll admit I had some hesitations about the four-year age gap between us. I was only 18 at the time, just starting my first year of college, while Mark was already 22 and had just finished up his sophomore year.

But he was so mature, kind, and caring that those doubts quickly melted away. Plus, my parents had given us their blessing to date, which was a huge relief. They could see how happy Mark made me, and that was all that mattered to them.

Things were going wonderfully in our relationship, and I was so content. We spent as much time together as we could, going on dates, cuddling on the couch, and just enjoying each other's company.

Mark was the perfect boyfriend – attentive, romantic, and always making me feel special. I loved how he'd surprise me with little gifts or plan fun outings for us. And the physical intimacy we shared was incredible. I'd never felt this way about anyone before.

It was like Mark and I had this unspoken connection, an undeniable chemistry that drew us together.

But then, just a few months ago, everything changed when Mark decided to enroll at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas for the upcoming school year.

I was devastated when he told me the news. Fort Worth was over 200 miles away from our hometown – that was going to mean a lot of time and distance between us.

I tried to be supportive, knowing this was an incredible opportunity for Mark to further his education and pursue his passion for sports management.

And of course, he would also be joining the Rams basketball team, which was a dream of his. But selfishly, I couldn't help but worry about how this would impact our relationship.

The thought of being apart for so long was heartbreaking. We'd grown so accustomed to seeing each other nearly every day, and the prospect of only being able to visit on weekends or during school breaks was daunting.

I knew it was going to be a huge adjustment, and I was nervous that the distance might take a toll. Would we be able to maintain that same level of closeness and intimacy? Would the spark eventually start to fade?

Mark could tell I was stressed and anxious about the situation. But he was so reassuring, constantly reminding me of how much I meant to him. He promised that no matter how far apart we were physically, his heart would always be with me.

And he vowed to make our relationship a top priority, even with the demands of his studies and basketball. Hearing those words of love and commitment from him helped put my mind at ease, at least a little.

When the time finally came for Mark to head off to Fort Worth, it was one of the hardest goodbyes I've ever had to say. We held each other tightly, tears streaming down my face, as I told him how much I was going to miss him.

But Mark just smiled and kissed me tenderly, whispering that he loved me more than anything. I clung to those words as I watched him drive away, my heart aching.

The first few weeks after Mark left were rough, I won't lie. I found myself constantly counting down the days until our next visit, which felt impossibly far away.

We talked on the phone as often as we could, but it just wasn't the same as being together in person. I missed his warm embraces, his soothing voice, and his gentle touches.

There were many nights when I'd fall asleep clutching one of his old sweatshirts, just to feel a little closer to him.

But despite the distance, Mark and I have worked hard to keep our bond strong. We make sure to schedule regular video calls so we can see each other's faces and catch up face-to-face.

And whenever I'm able to visit him in Fort Worth, it's like the miles between us melt away. We make the most of our time together, going on dates, attending his basketball games, and just reveling in each other's company.

Mark has also been incredibly thoughtful, sending me care packages filled with little gifts and love notes to let me know he's thinking of me.

And I've done the same, mailing him homemade baked goods and surprises to brighten his day. It's the little things like that that have helped us stay connected.

Of course, it hasn't all been easy. There have been moments of frustration and loneliness, times when the distance felt unbearable.

But we've learned to be open and honest with each other, communicating our feelings and needs. Mark has been so understanding, always making time to listen and offering words of encouragement.

And I know I can count on him to be there for me, no matter what.

Despite the challenges, our love has only grown stronger. I'm in awe of how resilient our relationship has proven to be.

Mark and I have faced this test of physical separation head-on, and we've come out the other side even more committed to one another. I know without a doubt that he is the one for me, and I can't wait for the day when we'll be together again for good.

In the meantime, I'll continue to cherish every moment we do get to spend side by side, whether it's at one of his basketball games or just curled up on the couch watching movies.

And I'll keep counting down the days until our next visit, knowing that our love can transcend any distance.

Mark is worth fighting for, and I'm in this for the long haul. No matter what life throws our way, I know that as long as we have each other, we can weather any storm.