Journey's End.

So here we are.  A year has passed - no wait,  it took11 months, 16 days, 12 hours - but finally, Laurie's deployment is over.  When the 200 soldiers came marching into the welcome facility last week one night at 9 o'clock,  we had already seen the video of the plane's approach, landing, and being directed in by the ground crew.  Then we saw the steps being rolled up, and the welcome committee and band gathered at the bottom of the steps.  The soldiers each descended the stairs and went down the line shaking hands with the welcome committee.  And only a few soldiers into the welcome, we saw our dear soldier daughter going through the line.  Her smile was unmistakable and unwavering as she greeted each person.  It would be another hour before the welcome home ceremony at the post, but she was home.  Her boots were on the ground. And just moments later, my cell phone rang and there was so much noise in the welcome home center that I didn't recognize Laurie's voice.  Until she finally said, "It's your daughter."  LOL But for the first time in a long long time, there was no delay between our questions and answers. She was calling from the place they'd gone to after the plane landed and wanted to know where we were sitting so she could find us when the welcome ceremony was ended.  She could see us from where she was, and watched us as we got ready to greet them all. She told me, "Mom, just stay where you are seated and I will come to you because it will be a madhouse," 
Now you may have heard about or experienced welcome home ceremonies for our troops.  If you haven't, let me just say there are no words to tell of the joy....of the tears that fill your eyes when Lee Greenwood's Proud To Be An American comes over the speakers - the room full of family and friends knowing that a set of double doors and a few soldiers who stand there waiting to open them are all that keep a battalion of soldiers from marching in.  And then the machine that makes the dust come out in a cloud begins doing just that as the doors open and xxx number of soldiers come marching through the doors.  I cannot tell you how earnestly the loved ones standing and cheering look for the face they love so much in that line up of soldiers.  Nor can I tell you of the pride - not just in being the loved one of an American soldier, but in being an American who loves ALL of our troops. When we turn toward the huge American flag for the National Anthem with our hands over our hearts....THIS is America.  The troops, the signs, the wives and moms and dads, and the kids dressed in their red, white, and blue waiting for their chance to see mommy or daddy or Uncle Joe or Aunt Jane.  And to see your husband cry unashamedly because his (our) little girl is home and the fear has been lifted from  his heart.
The journey - it would be 11 months, 16 days, and 12 hours from the moment we kissed and hugged her goodbye that early morning last year when she reported for deployment. Who's counting?   I am...... grateful for every moment because the journey that began from here also ended with hugs and tears and the knowledge that our prayers last year when she left for God's Grace and Mercy have once again been answered, and given to our family in rich supply. 
Ron, tenderhearted Dad that he is, well, let's just say that the pictures of him included below tell the story of how he felt.  One of the many reasons I love that man.  His tender heart.
And Kasey - well, sometimes a picture really DOES say a thousand words...and in much better ways than this grandma ever could.  
It's been over a week since Laurie arrived and while she is thankful to be home, there is one person who is missing - Stephen.  Laurie is taking it all in stride, at least on the outside.....but on the inside?  One can only guess. I pray for strength for Laurie's little family - and for Ron and I as well.  We have lots of time remaining before his boots hit the ground here at home, but we can only pray and trust and leave him in the Lord's hands. 
But then, for all the journeys our soldiers have taken, God's Grace and Mercy have been with them - and with us.

Thank you for all of your prayers for my children - and for all of us.  We are so grateful to know that we are not alone.