Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Home At Last!

Well, I am back again........ I haven't had time to post about everything that has been happening around here, but I have some of the promised pics of my bil's return home. Ahh...yes, I thought that would buy me a little forgiveness! *smile* I can't post all of them that I would like because we were asked not to take any that could identify where they were taken, therefore putting our men in danger. I definitely don't want to do that.

This is just a random pic outside while waiting for the airplane to shine through the clouds. There was so much excitement standing out there as I watched the children anxiously peering into the sky wondering "how much longer?"



I can't tell you what I felt when I saw the lights of that plane coming through the clouds. I also hate to tell you that my camera decided to hesitate between shots, so I missed getting a shot of that, but here is one of when it first touched down.



This is when everyone is waving and shouting as loudly as they can, all the while hoping that their loved ones could see them from the plane. It was pure torture as we waited for them to unload.




I went inside the waiting hall before they unloaded. I knew they would have to march in and this was going to take a little while so I wanted to get a good spot to watch them come in. I cannot describe for you all the emotions I felt as these guys marched in after being deployed for 15 months. Most of them had not had a shower for at least 3 days and sleep was another issue. This did not deter them from making us all proud. The lump in my throat and the tears in my eyes were in the same company of others. You just couldn't help yourself! The children, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, girlfriends stood cheering, crying, and waving small flags and handmade posters greeting our heroes. This is a day that I will never forget.




As these men stood in formation I saw their faces searching and scanning the crowd looking for a familiar family member. I was heartbroken for those that had no one there. There was one young man in particular whose eyes met mine and I could see his difficulty in "keeping it together" I so wanted to cross that roped off barrier and give him a big hug.




At last the ropes are taken down and everyone is scurrying to find their loved ones.



And just like before, my camera decides to keep me from getting a shot of what I wanted the most. I missed the first kiss, but I think this is the second one. Either way, when I mentioned that I needed another kiss, I was told "no problem"



These are few more of my favorites.






I don't know if you can read the *relief* I see on my sister's face in this picture. Definitely a favorite of mine. Something else about this photo is if you look closely you will see a young man standing behind my bil. He had no one there to greet him. When I realized this I went over with my daughter and one of my nieces and we thanked him for his service to our country. He told us that it was too far for his family to come since they were across the country. I was so sad for him.




I took this one before we left. I thank God for His protection and grace. I know my bil's return would not have been possible without it.

13 comments:

Marilee said...

Wow Debbie - I'm in so much awe. This is a wonderful post and I can feel myself tearing up! My son is scheduled to come home in December; after 15 months in Iraq. He went on 9-11-06 and except for 17 days R&R last May, has been there ever since. (The R&R turned out to be an extra blessing as my second grandchild was concieved during that time and is due to be born in February. Since my son had to miss the birth of his first son we're all VERY thankful that he should get to be there for the birth of his second son!!!)

My heart aches for the soldier who didn't have family who could come meet him because we most likely won't be able to travel down to Texas when my son comes home. The military isn't very good about giving EXACT dates (which I guess is good for their safety!!!) and as full time houseparents it's VERY hard to take off on short notice. Our foster sons have to be taken care of and we committed ourselves to this ministry. But even so, we're praying for a miracle that God will provide a way for us to go... with God nothing is impossible!

At least my DIL & grandson will definately be there to meet him when he comes home. My ex-husband, (his dad) and my former MIL (his grandma) may also get to be there. So either way Michael will have someone to greet him and we're thankful for that!

It would just be so awesome to get to be there when he comes home. We haven't seen him since July 2004 and we've haven't yet gotten to meet his wife or our grandson... How I long to hold him!

Well, didn't mean to write a blog in your comment section, lol... I think I got to be your first comment too. woo hoo!

Love you!!!
Marilee

Denise said...

Precious family, and precious pictures. May you all be blessed.

Unashamed said...

Thank you for sharing these. The picture of them all saluting is very moving. PLEASE give your bil my thanks for his service. Though he serves on behalf of a different country than mine, his service protects us all and I am profoundly grateful for all those who serve the Lord this way.

Melanie said...

Please tell you bil and your sister that I say thank you for the sacrifices they have made for me and my family.
The picture where you can see the relief on your sisters face made me cry. I just can't imagine the worry she must feel while he is away. The peace she must feel now is, I'm sure, amazing.

Lisa said...

Great photos and post, Debbie! I'm SO GLAD he's home safe and sound! Celebrating in California with you!!

Hugs,
Lisa

Karen said...

Oh Debbie, we just went through this with Jason, and I know the emotions you are talking about. It's such a flood of relief to see them set foot on American soil. Enjoy them all you can! So glad he's home safely!
Blessings,
K

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings said...

Chiming in late as usual...

Oh, Debbie - that must have been amazing! Coming from a family where no one's been a member of the service since the 40's, it's hard for me to relate. But, it doesn't necessarily make me any less grateful and thankful!

Bless your BIL and his fellow soldiers!

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings said...

Missing you - everything OK? You gonna wanna watch your mailbox soon. Found something in the paper here that reminded me of you! *wink*

Sharon said...

You are being missed very much! :-)
Just wanted to pop in and say that I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving with your family.
Thanks for giving your bil a hug for me! They all deserve much thanks and gratitude. I know this will be a very special Thanksgiving for your family this year. Love and Hugs!

Karen said...

Hey, just popping in to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! Hope all is well with you and yours,
Blessings,
Karen

Marilee said...

Hi Debbie! I just wanted to say hi and I miss you! (Cyber HUGS coming your way!)

I pray you are doing well and that you and your family have a very blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Love, Marilee

Marilee said...

Hi Debbie! I just wanted to say hi and I miss you! (Cyber HUGS coming your way!)

I pray you are doing well and that you and your family have a very blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Love, Marilee

Dapoppins said...

I still haven't signed up for soldier's angels, but this about breaks my heart for that poor young man. Thank you for tanking him! These are great commming home pics!