Maura drew a thick black X through the date. Another day gone. Forty-five more until Joe’s tour would be over. Each day seemed to drag out longer than the next. Tomorrow’s date was marked with a star, however. Tomorrow, he’d be able to call. She walked to the back door and opened it. Oscar lumbered in, his paws tracking mud all over the floor. Sighing, she wet some paper towels and the big mutt surrendered his paws for a good wiping. He sat and stared up at her with soulful eyes.       

“Yes, I know. It’s not the same here with Joe gone. Somehow, we’ll get through it, though. I guess 45 days seems even longer to you. That’s what, like 300 dog days?” Maura sank to the floor and wrapped her arms around Oscar. “I’m glad he had to leave you behind. Even if you do make a mess of my floor.” Oscar turned his head and ran his sloppy tongue across her chin. Maura giggled and wiped her face. “Come on, let’s get to bed.”

            After settling in, Maura pulled the covers up to her chin and tried not to think about the big empty space on the other side of the bed. She thought she knew what she was getting into, marrying a military man. Somehow the reality of him living half a world away surrounded by danger was harder than she’d imagined. She fell asleep with the same prayer on her lips she had every night. “Lord, please protect him…”

            The next morning, she awoke early, filled with excitement. Just four more hours, and he’d call. She wrangled Oscar into the tub. After a thorough wrestling match in which she ended up wetter than he did, she wrapped him in a towel and gave him his freedom. After her own shower, she took extra time with her hair and makeup. She moved to the den, ensuring everything was clean, then set her phone on the coffee table, arranging the background to be as inviting as possible. She sat and waited.

            When her phone finally rang, her pulse skyrocketed, as if they were dating again. She answered the call, breathless and beaming. Joe’s face, rough and handsome filled the screen. Her heart swelled with love.

            “Hi Babe.” Joe’s voice sounded through the tiny phone speakers. Oscar’s ears perked up, and he circled the room, looking for the source of his master’s voice.

            Maura laughed. “Oscar’s looking for you.”

            Joe’s grin warmed her from head to toe. “Is that right? Well, he’ll have to wait a minute. I want to look at my girl first. You’re beautiful, sweetheart. You wore that dress I like.”

            “I wanted to look nice for you.”
            “You always look nice, no matter what you’re wearing.”
            “I suppose I don’t have a whole lot of competition these days,” Maura said.

            “That’s true. There are very few women in our forces, and any civilian women are normally covered from head to toe. Boy you’re a sight for sore eyes.”

            Maura basked in the sound of Joe’s words and the sight of his face, but Oscar’s whining was distracting. “Oh, fine. Oscar, come here.”

            Oscar hopped on the sofa. His eyes found Joe on the screen, and he seemed to settle.

            “There’s my guy. Hey Oscar, you take care of my girl, will you?”

            Oscar stared at the screen, then lay on the sofa, his head in Maura’s lap. She patted his head, her eyes on Joe the entire time. “How long can you talk?”

            Joe glanced at his watch. About five minutes. “I’m sorry, Babe. I know this is hard. I miss you so much. Your emails have been getting me through. You have no idea how much I appreciate them. And your prayers.”

            “The prayers are getting me through, too. I couldn’t bear being apart from you if I didn’t believe God was protecting you.”

            Joe’s face turned serious. “Don’t ever doubt Him, Babe. Even if something happens to me, God will always be there for you.”

            “Don’t say things like that.”

            “You know this is a dangerous mission. Yes, God can protect me, but I don’t claim to know all of His ways. Please, promise me, no matter what happens, you’ll continue to trust Him. I couldn’t bear it if you lost your faith because of me.”

            Maura’s eyes filled with tears. “I found my faith because of you. I love you so much. I miss you every minute.”

            “I have to go, babe. Let’s pray together first.”

            Maura didn’t want to miss one moment of Joe’s face. Instead of closing her eyes, she watched Joe as he prayed.

            “God, please be with Maura. Give her peace while we’re apart. Please strengthen her faith and protect me until I am able to return to her. Amen.” He opened his eyes and gazed into Maura’s. “Look up Deuteronomy 31:6. It’s been a comfort to me over here. I love you.”

            Maura touched the phone screen with her hand. “I love you, too.”

            The screen went dark, and so did Maura’s mood. The tears fell freely now. She gave herself a few moments, but steeled her resolve. Joe wouldn’t want her to cry the whole time he was away. Determined to follow his words, she collected her Bible and settled back beside Oscar. She turned the delicate pages until she found the verse Joe mentioned.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

She read the verse a few times and a peace filled her soul. Even though her love was a world away, they sat under the same sky, breathed the same air, and worshipped the same Lord. No matter how far apart, knowing they could pray together, and with God by each of their sides, she would get through this time.

            Dear Lord, in a time where we are all feeling a little lonely and far away from those we love, thank you for the gift of peace and comfort, and for promising never to forsake us. Amen.