My Very Own Homecoming
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I was so very disappointed. Sure, I know it could happen. I had even expected it, but I had so hoped it would never happen. I was shocked at how many times the date and time changed. It was a huge roller coaster where I would be on the top and then a day later I would be on the bottom. I had cleared my entire schedule for that week and now I had a whole week of nothing while I waited for him to come home. I quickly worked to fill it up again with friends and appointments.
That whole week I realized I was not excited. I was just expecting it to change again. All I wanted to so is sit in my room and wait for the week to end, but I didn’t. Finally, as the next homecoming date got closer I started getting excited again. I realized this was going to really happen – my husband was really coming home! During this time I pictured what it was going to be like. Would everything be the same as before? Would homecoming be awkward or would I run to him not caring who was watching?
The last word I heard before my husband got on his plane was that he would be arriving in the U.S. early Sunday night. I was shocked because we were expecting Monday or Tuesday. I didn’t want to get my hopes up too much, but I was very excited. All day Sunday I was so antsy. I watched the clock waiting for the 8 pm to arrive -the time he told me he would arrive in Baltimore.
While I waited, I had to make a ton of phone calls. I had a photographer coming with me so I needed to let her know what was going on so she could get a sitter for her kids, I had to call the two babysitter back-ups I had to find out who could watch him and what was going on. I was going crazy waiting for him to call back. After about 40 minutes, he called and said the ticket counter was closed until morning there were no more flights out. I was really disappointed, but knew this could happen. One more night wouldn’t be too bad I told myself.
5 am comes and I am woken up by a phone call. His flight leaves at 6:30 am. The flight takes the same time it takes to drive there which means I have exactly 30 minutes to get ready, dressed, and get my son over to the sitter’s house. It took me 45. Thankfully I had already showered the night before, and just had to do my hair and makeup. I packed my son’s stuff, woke him up and headed to my friend’s house where I gave her instructions for Adam and rushed out the door.
I was making some pretty awesome time getting to the airport- until I hit Atlanta. Sure it’s morning, but all the people who work in Atlanta are also trying to get into Atalanta. I was only a couple miles from the airport and hit some very bad traffic. I was going crazy. I had about 20 minutes to get through traffic, park, get a pass, and get to the gate. Finally after what seemed like forever I was able to get through the traffic.
I parked, ran into the airport (a little embarrassed about the stares I am getting because they are seeing a women in a dress and high heels running into the airport), and called my photographer. I couldn’t find her anywhere and she was not answering her phone. I think I called her about 12 times. Finally she called me back and told me that she didn’t think we could get passes to the gate. The line to get through security was a 35 minute wait. I was disappointed, but at this point his plane was going to be here anytime now so I didn’t care. I just wanted to see him.
He didn’t have his phone, so I wasn’t sure if he would call me or not. Previously he had borrowed other people’s phones so he could give me a quick call to let me know what was going on. The waiting was killing me. I was so nervous, there was a couple times I thought I might throw up. I didn’t know when he was going to come up over that escalator so all I could do is keep watching and waiting.
I checked my phone several times, but I had somehow still missed a phone call. I knew Jon had borrowed a phone but I wasn’t sure if I should try calling that person back or just continue to wait. A few minutes later I get a phone call. It’s a man on the other end telling me that my husband asked him to tell me that he is on his way to baggage claim, God bless me and to have a good reunion. I was touched.
I was also shaking. Now he could be coming any minute. My eyes scanned the crowd just waiting to see a glimpse of him.
We walked over to where our photographer was and he told me he had to go to the bathroom. I didn’t want to ever let him go again, but I did. We hugged and kissed some more and then when he was done we went to get his baggage. I had a huge smile on my face. I felt complete again and there was nothing in the world that was going to bring me down in those moments.
Of course we all know it doesn’t end there, life goes on, but that day will forever be etched into my memory. The weeks that have followed have been wonderful. I was worried at how reintegration would be and while it has only been a few weeks it has not been as bad as I had pictured. Being able to do everything together again even just hold hands, or sit next to each other or in the same room is just the most amazing feeling in the world. it has taught me not to take a single day for granted. Homecoming: there’s nothing like it.
*All photos were taken by Brook Ashley Photography. To see more of our homecoming photos click here. Click on each photo in this post to see the larger version.*
eeek! YAY YAY YAY!! For homecomings đ So happy for you đ
Oh my…this story just grabs at my heartstrings…treasure these words…the expressions on your face are just of incredible, incredible love…such an emotional read, and I think that you blogging about this-being so open-will help many other military wives…I pray it does.
God bless…so glad to follow your story,
Michy
oh my gosh, so precious. made me cry!!!!
Gah, I know how you feel about the re-scheduling. It never fails- they will move stuff around just when you have things in place.
Loved hearing your story.
I so cried while reading this. Reminds me of Josh’s time away and the 9 months that we were apart. So happy that you got that homecoming. So excited for you and your family. Sending prayers up as you guys readjust. đ
I had chills while reading this! Such beautiful pictures. My husband comes home in a little over 4 months and I’m nervous about the homecoming! I’m beyond excited and I know it will be a wonderful thing to have him home again.
Awh this is wonderful. Very happy for you. Definitely got teary eyed! đ
So beautiful! I’m so glad for you that he’s home safe.
Thank you!
I loved reading this! I think that moment when you see your husband and embrace is unlike any other..it comes close to giving birth and your wedding day In my opinion.
I’m a young navy wife and when my husband came back from his first deployment he was on a carrier with thousands of people coming off and awaiting their loved ones.
I couldn’t wait to see him and in my anxiousness almost embraced the wrong person twice! I decided to stand still and wait for him to come to me :). It was incredible though.
I love hearing from you and following along on your blog. Its nice to be encouraged that i’m not alone!
Laura
This is the kind of reunion I am hoping for in exactly 29 days! Tears ran down my face as I read your story đ
I hope you get it! đ Thanks for commenting!
I love your story! I had chills the whole time, teared up and smiled alot. This is mine and my husbands first deployment and homecoming is coming soon, this just makes me even more exicted!!!! đ
My wife couldn’t help by cry reading this. I’ll admit I teared up too.
I personally don’t have anyone in my family in active duty or overseas. I cannot imagine being apart from my wife for even a day. You and your husband are TRULY special people. Thank you both for the sacrifices you make to protect our freedom.
David Bibby
This is amazing, I’m always such a fan of homecoming stories! They all bring tears to my eyes, I definitely know what you went through. We’ve only done 1 deployment, but will soon be on another. That has been quite the frustration!
Very happy for you!
Hi Malia,
Thank you for your sweet comment! I’m a huge fan of homecoming stories too, that’s why it was so nice to finally have my own. đ Good luck on your next deployment!