Dear Christine,

By the time you read this, I will be in the air on my way to Alaska. Even though I have yet to leave for my destination – I miss you as if I am already there. I know that me going away twice in the same month without you has made you sad, but rest assured that when I return from Alaska – then next vacation I go on will find you by my side.

What amazes me the most about you is that you are not mad about me going away. Not that I want you to be – but I have had relationships with women in my past who would not let me go to lunch with another woman – much less travel four thousand miles to see a woman without bringing them along. So the mere fact that you are ok with this is a new experience to me – and something I am very thankful for.

You once told me that you have always longed for a meaningful relationship and believe that you have found one in us – I couldn’t agree more. This is the first time in my life that I have been in a relationship where I feel genuinely loved and cared for. I am not saying that I have never been loved before – but your love comes with absolutely no strings attached. Your love is honest, true, given to me freely without any hidden agendas – and believe me – appreciated more then you’ll ever know.

Every single moment that we are together, I can feel your love flowing from you like an open faucet. The most amazing part of your love is that whenever I am working, be it for DOB, Ring Fever or South Park – I can see that you actually enjoy watching me work and sense that you are having a good time – and that you are not just there because you feel obligated to do so. Besides making me feel great – that brings me a sense of confidence I have never had before – because for the first time in my life – the most important person in my life is behind me one hundred percent – because she wants to be.

Believe me, despite the fact that I will be on vacation from my jobs, duties and obligations – I do not want to be on a vacation from you. If a night goes by that you don’t stay over my house I miss you – so imagine how I will feel trying to sleep in a strange bed four thousand miles away.

I really want to thank you for coming into my life and giving me something that I have always wanted – pure, unconditional love that comes without baggage, fine print – or hidden agendas. Both of us have been through our share of relationship turmoil and both know what it is like to cry ourselves to sleep. It is this reason that I feel we are perfect for each other. Considering that we have both been hurt by our then significant others – we know that we don’t want to inflict that kind of pain on each other – because we know all too well how that pain feels. Plus, although each of us have our own fears coming into this relationship – our love for each other and our friendship in each other will soon overcome them. As for my fears – you love has helped me eliminate them and has shown me that I finally have someone I can trust and not have to wonder about – if I could only tell you how good that feels.

I can only hope that I make you as happy as you make me. I think, based on the smile on your beautiful face when I give you presents, that you are happy. I can’t tell you what it means to me when you truly appreciate the gifts I give you. All of my life, I have been a romantic person – but in my past – my romance was looked at as annoying and often times – unappreciated. But whether I give you a card, buy you your favorite flower, write you a column – or surprise you with a package of “squiggly worms” – the smile on your face gives me more joy then your present brings you – because it makes me so happy that the presents I give you are appreciated – and that feels great to know that I make you that happy.

Words can’t describe how much I will miss you this week while I am away. But I carry with me your picture, your cards and letters – and your love. Although it has only been months – I feel like I have been with you for years. And considering that time flies so quickly lately – I will be back before you know it to wrap my arms around you once again – this time for good. I promise to call you every day and say goodnight to you every night. And you can look forward to a bunch of presents when I get back.

I love you Christine – and I miss you already. See you when I get back.