One of those amazing moments in life that we are so fortunate to experience!
There really is nothing like it!!! The excitement and the anticipation floating in the air all throughout the neighborhood. Your neighbors know exactly what you're going through....they have been in your shoes. The banner is hung on the garage. The special cookies and his favorite beverage are awaiting his arrival. The wait is excruciatingly long. Time seems to move slower than a snail's pace. You cling to your cell phone (thank goodness for technology) in the hopes for that miracle text or phone call saying he is "good to go." You imagine what that first hug feels like. You see your children running into their father's arms, super excited that they are home. You have everything planned out....and then none of it goes as planned! But you know what, it doesn't matter!! To get that first hug, to see your children's faces light up, to watch them not leave his side...life is good!
8 months of separation. 8 months of craziness. 8 months of not knowing if you'd survive another day without sleep or without him. All wiped out by that single hug; by that single smile!
He is home! He is safe! We are blessed! We are whole!
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| All dressed up and just waiting! |
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| More waiting. Thankful for good weather and for a "normal" arrival time (no 3 am return)! |
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| Eleanor entertained by Mia's necklace! We are so thankful for such wonderful friends! |
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| Testing the waters to see how Eleanor would react to a man in uniform! |
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| PHEW! Safe!! |
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| SURPRISE!! I'm here! BEST. HUG. EVER!! |
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| "DAAAAAHHHH" |
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| Is it you? Is it really you? |
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| Love these two! |
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| Eleanor patiently waiting her turn! |
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| DADDY!!!!! |
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| I've missed you!! 2 weeks wasn't nearly enough time to get to know you!! |
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| Just an awesome feeling!! |
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| Together at last!! |
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| 8 months ago we were doing the same thing. This time was way more exciting!!! |
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| Smoooooshy kisses!! |
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| Buddies for life!! |
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| God bless the USA! |
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| Home looks good on you, Jon!! |
Jon and Jen, thanks for sharing this with us. Jon, thanks for protecting our freedom. Jen, thanks for holding down the home front while Jon was away. Hope that your family of 4 gets to enjoy some much needed together time. Hugs and love, Uncle Chris and Aunt Fran
ReplyDeleteThanks! We are definitely enjoying our time together!!
DeleteSo thankful you are all together again! This is beautifully written! You are AMAZING! Absolutely AMAZING!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! You are AMAZING!! Thinking of you all every day!!
DeleteSo many tears as I look through those pictures. I can't imagine the excitement of that day. I am so thankful Jon is home and that you 4 can be together again. Praying for a smooth transition for you guys.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie! So far, so good! Hope life is treating you well!
DeleteYou are a rockstar. You were so strong during this deployment and even though it could not have been easy, and your kids are great because you are. You never complained and were so admirable and inspiring. And to add to your awesomeness, every ran you did was with a double. You're my hero.
ReplyDeleteYou make me smile every day!! I am so thankful to call you my friend!!
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