Once upon a time there was a young girl who fell instantly in love with a young man, and they got married right away as they were meant for each other. Each day their love grew for one another, and they decided to expand on that love with children. Soon thereafter, he joined the Army, they moved to Fort Bragg, and they had 2 sons, vowing to have more, but not before finding out that the young man would have to leave his young family to go to Iraq for a year, which ended up being 18 months. Today the young man comes home, comes home to his long awaiting wife and two sons who’ve grown so much and are very eager to see their daddy once more. Today the nightmare ends, they become reunited, and all will be well among them once more.
I’ve stood by seeing the ache in her heart, knowing that feeling of longing for the man of your dreams a gazillion miles away. It pained me to see her so torn apart because he was away. That feeling of agonizing incompleteness when your husband is in harms way, no where near you, is wretched, worse than 1000 knifes slowly piercing your flesh.
Today they are reunited. In but a few hours he will be on US soil, stepping off the plane to US air, smelling fall, and in his wife and children’s arms once more.
I’m so beyond ecstatic for her its brought me to tears all morning long. Today is a very momentous day for a very good friend of mine. Part of me wants to be there to take the glorious pictures for her, but part of me doesn’t want to infringe myself upon them, I want them to have their time and nevermind me or anything else, you know?
Regardless, today, hug your children a little closer, give your ‘honey’ an extra kiss or two as well, and thank your other family, friends, acquaintances and co-workers for being there, even if they aren’t, today have a grateful day. Be grateful for all of them. They’re there and not far from you, they’re there and not at war, they’re there and not gone forever….
And for those of you who’s loved ones aren’t home yet, this will be you soon, they will be in YOUR arms once more, I know it. I will continue to keep them in my heart and my thoughts for you as well. Thank them for me, I don’t take it lightly all they do for us.
Maybe I’m starting on my Thanksgiving thankfulness early, or maybe I’m just learning what is to be learned from all of this – that you need to live for today as tomorrow might not be there.
Great post. Reunions are always sweet. My hubby was deployed after 9/11 for a year. It was the hardest year of my life being without him and having a newborn baby. Without family and friends there for me I wouldn’t have made it!
Thanks Elizabeth 🙂 They’re reunited and happy once more. I can’t imagine hubby being deployed after 9/11! I’m so thankful he’s home safe with you 🙂