history: My wife is out of the country for school.  She was having a really bad day the other day and I couldn't really do anything to help. My wife is out of the country for school_comma_ and the other day she was having a really bad day.  I couldn't really do anything to help_comma_ and it made me feel bad. I'm so sorry.  I know you must've felt helpless but coming from a wife's perspective; I would know my husband couldn't be right next to me but his words and love make all the difference. 
current: Thanks, that's actually really helpful.  It's been tough being apart for so long, we haven't been apart more than a couple days since we started dating.
next: I totally feel you.  My husband as gone for work so much for a couple years.  It will just be a season of life and then you'll be back together!  Communicating even more than ever and encouraging each other can help so much.  You're doing great!  I hope you're together soon!