PostSecret

I never imagined that a picture could describe what I was feeling in my heart so perfectly until I gazed upon this image. It is a simple photograph, a sky view of an expressway. There are cars zooming past the edges of the photo, yet each one seems small and insignificant. The busy background is then contrasted with simple words, words that are pasted in the foreground of the image. Together, they relay a message so strong that it shakes me to the core.

My boyfriend of almost three years is leaving in two weeks to go to Life University in Marietta, Georgia, to study Chiropractic. As thrilled as I am for him to be following his dreams, it breaks my heart to know that we will be so far apart of so long. Our relationship has withstood an hour and a half long distance relationship, but fourteen hours is entirely different. Though I know that “absence makes the heart grow fonder”, the distance will chip away at my heart, leaving me incomplete without him near.

With this in mind, I glance back at up at the somber image, reminding me with five simple words, the complete truth of the situation I find myself in. “You were worth every mile…” Though we may be miles and miles apart, I know that he is worth every heartache I’ll endure during the next few years. Our love is more precious than the money that I’ll be spending to drive down to see him, even if it’s just for a few glorious days.

In response to the image, the words and image both play key roles in delivering the message to the viewer. The words without the image are not as powerful. The cars emphasize the distance and how the individual had to travel at a great extent to be with their significant other. In addition, the image without the words looses the meaning entirely. Without the words, the picture is just a photograph of a busy expressway. The viewer would make their own association with the picture, such as urban traffic, but the words allow the artist to communicate to the reader the desired significance. Therefore, I conclude that the words and image are synchronized in a way that without the other, it would lose its full effect.

When I look at this photograph, I see my story. I identify in unison with the creator of this image. However, I do not know the artist, or his or her story. I wonder: “Who is this person? Who was worth every mile? Are they still together? Where was the other person? Why couldn’t they be together?” As these heuristic questions flash across my mind’s eye, I find that maybe it isn’t as significant as the meaning itself. Many are quick to conclude that long distance relationships are too hard, and rarely ever work. I believe if the love is strong enough, than it can withstand anything.

I believe the creator and I are in harmony on this one important fact that are summarized in the lyrics from Vanessa Carlton’s song 1000 Miles : “Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles if I could just see you. If I could just hold you....tonight.”