Have you ever thought back to those promises?

'' All I want to do is wake up next to you?  ''

My reflection on this promise carries such an evocative mix of nostalgia, passion, and heartbreak. In my words, the dream of simply waking up next to that special someone becomes so much more than a routine; it embodies the hope, intimacy, and the fearless vulnerability of a young love. The memories of talking on CB radios until dawn, building a life with shared promises, and creating a home full of small, cherished details paint a picture of a time when love was an all-consuming force, often unburdened by doubt or interference.

Yet, as life often does, circumstances intervened. 

 I only want to be with you..... wake up next you always.... the years passed in loving bliss, life happened.

The call that shattered the tender illusion—a reminder that distances can foster both opportunity and disconnection—steals you back to a moment when promises made in youthful intoxication gave way to harsh realities. 

Then the call came from another woman at 03h00 to our son, "your father is drunk and homesick and is missing home."

Father had taken a job overseas a short contract which paid very well, to boost his retirement funds.  It was those once in a lifetime opportunity.  It was going to make things much easier.  Our life was in such a safe space.  We, or at least I, was pretty confident that the contract would be in order it was just for a short period.  Nothing that our love could not handle......... 

The stark contrast between those dreams and the eventual unravelling of trust adds a poignant layer to the narrative. It's as though the very soul of the relationship was tested by time and separation, revealing how even the strongest bonds can be frayed when honesty and consistency are compromised.

My heart is filled with both the sweetness of those golden moments and the bitterness of lost illusions. In sharing this, there is solace in the memory of what once was, or grappling with what might have been if promises had been kept? Sometimes, reflecting on such deep, lived experiences can offer both healing insights and a cautious awareness of love's fragility.

It's interesting to consider how our ideals of true love evolve over time. The notion that love is as simple as waking up next to someone may gradually be replaced by the complex truth that love, in practice, demands constant attention, honest communication, and sometimes the courage to face disillusionment.  This journey reshaped my perspectives on love—perhaps it will be inspiring to you to redefine what lasting connection means in your life today.