My Hero Comes Home

     Matt has made it home!  Friday Matt called my phone and said, "Sorry Babe, but plans have changed again.  I won't behome Monday, I'll be home Saturday!"  It was so good to hear and almost unbelievable.  Thank God for Sara!  She kept my mind busy all day long and helped me chase ofter the kids and try to rein in their excitement.  The day flew by and finally it was time to go.  Matt was so overwhelmed on the phone when we talked, I was unsure of how this reunion would go.  Matt was told he'd be greeted by the officals and was quickly feeling overwhelmed.  The kennel Master asked that people hang back if at all possible and give him his space to adjust.  This was such a relief.  Matt had asked that I not even bring the kids because of feeling overwhelmed and now hw was more comfortable seeing them.  The boys were so excited to be a part of the excitement. 
    We got to the airport and waited.  I stood searching with my eyes.  Up and down the escalators, down the halls, through the people.  Finally, I spot him.  We locked eyes and head straight for eachother.  The boys followed behind with grins from ear to ear across their faces.  Matt and I tookour time walking towards eachother, but never breaking our stare.  It was almost unbelievable to see eachother.  This reunion was unlike any other before.  We usually see eachother and smiles spread, we rush towards eachother, and kiss, before the was nothing but smiles not a single shead tear.  This was very different.  We took our time, we could each see the pain in our eyes.  When we finally reached eachother we burried our faces in eachothers necks and began to cry.  We both could feel a relief.  Matt knew better than I how close we were to having a very different reunion.  He whispered in my neck through \tears,"I didn't think I'd ever hold you again, and here we are."  "Here we are." I reponded  He looked in my eyes and said, "I'm home.  I made it.  Breathe again, the only one that'll be knocking on our door his me when I get home from work."  He then bent down to great the kids.  While everyone was greeting Matt I was able to say hello to Basco.  He was so thin and missing hair, he was worn. I bent down and pet his ears.  I hugged hugged his neck and told him thnak you.  There is no animal I hold more dear.  Basco was there when I couldn't be to comfort him, to entertain him, and to make sure he and countless others made it home.
    So many people had asked if I was excited....I was, but the feelings of relief were so much greater.  He made it.  We made it.  I see the way people look at him and treat him now.  I'm so proud to be on his arm.

Coming Home

      Here it is again...the time has come.  The kids and I are counting down the days till we're in his arms again!  After 3 deployments the homecoming is always filled with same routines and feelings.  Words can't describe the goodbye and they can't give justice to the homecoming.  The butterflies will flutter, you have a glow, the children are tingling with excitement.  The house is spotless, the lawn freshly mowed, his favorite foods awaiting, the banner ready and the flag hung.
     Each time I go out to hang the flag the day he returns.  I stop, recounting the heartache since he's been gone.  Each time my eyes weld up and know each sacrifice our family made was worth this flag hanging with pride.  I take my first deep breath and smile, knowing another goodbye will come, but today is not the day to dwell.  My first deep breath, I can breathe again, all is well, he's safe and I know his eyes are welding as he hits US soil.  I can feel his relief from so far away still.
      I have 4-7 days left, and each bit of energy goes into the homecoming.  I will clean, cook, mother, and go as normal, but inside I know it's coming....fast.  It's exciting and hard to reunite and the anxieties are almost overwhelming.  Will he be distracted, will he feel comfort, will he be able to slow, will he be the man I said goodbye to...We'll work through it we always do.  What excitement is bustling in our home....for now we will have him home where he belongs till next time duty calls....

"Not everyone hears is.  It's just a few, but there's no denying it once you do.  When your country calls you do your part.  So H is for Honor in the American Heart."