The weeks have been long. The nights without you in bed next to me lonely. Constantly waiting next to the phone for a call. Always checking my mailbox for letters throughout the day, knowing one wont be there til Thursday. The wondering of if you're okay, how you're doing, and the counting down to PIR. All of this was made worth it yesterday afternoon. The "I'm a Sailor" call left me in tears. It was the greatest 36 minutes of my life. I am so proud of you and all you've grown to be these past 8 weeks. I admire all you're doing and strive to love others as you do because only a godly man would put his life on the line for those he doesn't know. I loved you before the dog tags, I'll love you through each deployment, and I'll love you long after. I can't wait to watch your PIR on Friday morning. I can't wait to hear your voice again. I can't wait for our first video chat and I hope you're prepared for all the tears. Sailor has a great ring to it, but calling you mine sounds even better. I love you United States Navy Sailor Morgan Andrew Niehus. ⚓🇺🇸❤