A Valentine never forgotten...

Here's another writing from my Valentine. I hope you all take advantage of this special day and EVERY DAY with your loved one! Happy Valentines Day!
The Inner Circle
The inner circle is completely untarnished and shines like a mirror when you look at it. very few scratches are on it, and it is very smooth. On the outer circle, however, scratches and scuffs adorn it both proving that it has been somewhere, and everywhere at once- it's sturdiness proves that it stands the test of time.
What is the inner circle? It is my wedding band. Why is it so smooth and near flawless? I have only taken it off ONE time in my life because of finger-swelling from an allergic reaction last year. When my ring slides upward towards my knuckle, you can tell it has left a permanent imprint on my finger- over the finger itself, not a strand of hair grows from where the ring makes contact with the finger. The ring never comes off no matter what the circumstance, and people have been told, (and knew) if I sustain an injury to that hand in a combat scenario, That I would rather my finger get chopped off or amputated before I allow any destruction to the ring to save my finger.
Maybe I'm a little over the top about the ring, but it is another symbol- one of many- to the love that will even endure death with my wife. Not only a symbol of love, but fidelity- a state that I hold in the highest regard in this lifetime.
Doing this job I am able to track reports of hundreds upon hundreds of patients that we have in the entire task force. about 20% of those patients are RETURNED TO HOME STATION because they are pregnant. It takes two to do the dance. And the chances of the two being married are slim. I really don't want to speculate the percentage that are practicing infidelity. And what are going to become of the children when they are born? Are they truly wanted? will they be taken care of, or are they just a product of war that 'mommy' used to get out of a combat zone? Hmm.
Marriage as it is explained to me is one of the most holiest of things you can partake in, second only to receiving the spirit of Christ in you. Although there is a human officiating the marriage, it is God himself that passes on the blessing.. and is the unseen witness in the pew watching the ceremony. Why would anyone risk losing grace itself or destroying a family by being a cheater?? Cheating is to accept death itself in my opinion. and people do not take into account the number of people affected, which is severe.
A deployment for a year is no excuse. seperation by 'area codes' is no excuse. There isn't any excuse!I know there are some good moral people, and one is a dear friend at a different base (J.S., you know who you are. Your faith in Christ and Marriage is an example that other people should follow, my friend)But there is definately bad apples here. Anyone who knows me knows that despite the colorful language that I employ at times, I hate immorality with a passion and I find immoral people completely despicable and do not associate with them. You can look deeply at those that I call true friends and see we are all like minded. I hate to lift myself up any higher than I know I am, but I am a saint among some sinners.
I personally can't stand the thought of treating my wife like this and the thought has never, ever crossed my mind. Every time I look at that rough, weathered outer circle I think of how much closer I am to reuniting with the only one that God himself has meant for me to be with. And every time I can see the smooth, flawless inner circle, I know the true meaning of enduring faith and love that has absolutely no bounds. I can also look at the tattoo on my left arm and know that no matter where I walk on this earth, she is absolutely with me.
So cheaters out there beware. If I know you I will expose you. If you make your bed you will lay in it. and I will fluff your pillow.For all the rest of us, forever faithful and good people, Valentines day is tomorrow. If you have the capability don't blow this holiday off. It's not about giving a ton of useless stuff to your significant other or about giving flowers that will eventually die (I love giving Chris Flowers, tho.. LOL) it's about celebrating love.
For me this is just another holiday that I have missed. Like many of my brothers in arms that I can call true friends. But to rejoice- this is the last one missed for me, Like Christmas, Chris's Birthday, The Girls' Birthdays, Reeses' Birthday. Next year I will miss none. I refuse to work any holiday in 2009 or 2010, I will bribe a co-worker with additional money if I have to.
On a sidenote, Most of our true ancestors can be aligned to Scottish/Irish/Gaelic lines. Very, Very true if you know your history of South Carolina. So, for my wife, I have an expression in Gaelic:
Is tú mo ghrá, A chuisle, a chroi!!
(I love you, my pulse and my heart)
I love you, Chris!

SPC(P) Cory M. Trotter
MIL USA FORSCOM
3/1 HHC BDE
Medical Operations SpecialistCommunications