THE UNMASKING

In April 2015, Paula went to Wisconsin for three weeks of National Guard training and returned home the Friday before Mother's Day. That morning, Parker and I went to Belle Plaine to watch his sisters compete in their school's Olympic Day. Paula messaged me to check-in, but I did not hear from her again for twelve hours. I had messaged her to ask if she made it home and she indicated that she was almost home. I was annoyed that I had not heard from her all day given that she was done with training and the drive home is around six hours if I remember correctly. I do not remember if there was a time to expect her back but it did not make sense that she was unable to respond to any of my messages over a twelve hour period. I also text her on my second break to ask if she made it home and she seemed to think it was odd of me to ask. I just wanted to know that she had made it home safely. When I arrived home from work, I rushed upstairs to welcome her home with a hug and a kiss. She...

In February 2015, Paula gave is me a Valentine’s Day card. Inside, she wrote the following: There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about you throughout my day. Saying I love you seems so natural, but it is so true and filled with meaning every time I say it. I fall more and more in love with you every breath I take. We had our ups and downs in the beginning, but it was that love that I felt for you that always brought me back. When I think I know you, you always show me another side of yourself. Being with you brings out the good in me. I have calmed down so much, and I can say I am happy. Looking back on the past 3.5 years I can’t remember the bad times because our relationship is so filled with good times. Wherever I go I am usually talking about you and how you are the best. The girls at work complain about their husbands and I always tell them I can’t relate because I have the best boyfriend EVER! I love you so much and there aren’t enough words to explain how much I tru...