Proud of My Soldier

First thing in the morning, after 3 hours of sleep, little man and I prepared to welcome home our soldier.  We went to our gathering place to wait....  and wait....

Hundreds of family members, friends, and loved ones gathered together for the one moment we've all been waiting for over a year.

We watched our soldiers' plane land.  We anxiously watched them load onto their buses to be transported to our location.  Our emotions were running wild and the local news stations were there to capture all the moments.

"God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood came over the loud speaker...

Tears started streaming down my face.  My heart was pounding ferociously in my chest.

Toby Keith's "American Soldier" came on next, and my hands started shaking.

In the middle of the song, the music stopped.  The doors opened and the Commander walked in.  The building roared with applause and I could feel the pride of the families swell for their soldiers and all they have done.

I lost it.  My body was a mix of so many emotions.  I was relieved, I was overjoyed, I was also really nervous.  Kind of like my husband and I's first meeting. 

The smoke machine turned on (as if it weren't dramatic enough)... and our soldiers marched in.

They stood in formation.

And I finally laid eyes on my Mr.  After seven long months of not seeing him, he was right in front of me. 

Once released, you bet I ran for him.  I had the SWEETEST kiss and witnessed the most heart-warming hug a daddy could give his son. 

Finally, we're a family again.  I can't even begin to explain how this moment felt.  There is a show on Lifetime called "Coming Home".  If you want to get an idea of what military families go through, check it out.  I'm warning you though, it's SO emotional!  I cry every single time I see a family reunited.

Once again, Thank YOU to all who have served and supported our military!