Yes my friends...it's been exactly one week since Andy returned home from his year long deployment. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked ' So, are you so happy to have him home? ' I would be a rich woman. 'well DUH' is what I want to say...of course I am happy to have him home. It has been awesome.
So last Monday was the big day. I was pretty anxious all day, but toward the end of the day, waiting at the airport, I even got a little snippy with my siblings. Sometimes nerves/excitement does that to me. For example...on our wedding day I was driving to the Salt Lake Temple with my family. My brother Nate tried to make some light hearted remark or joke and I snipped at him 'I am NOT in the mood for jokes!' I said... and that was the end of that. Likewise, Monday night I got a little on edge...but that immediately dissipated as soon as Andy walked through those two glass doors.
Needless to say...after a year over seas, two days in Kabul, one day in Bagram, four days in Kuwait and about 11,000 miles of travel (and even a little money out of our own pocket)...Andy is home. Safe.
I had this sign made for Andy back in September. If you have a deployed loved one you can have one made for FREE at
www.buildasign.com/troops I highly recommend it!
Andy is such an amazing father. I know that he and Noah share a special bond (heck, Noah says Daddy and doesn't even say Mommy!). We are so so so happy to have him home, and I think all of us are looking forward to this next year and just being together. This has been a great experience for our family in a lot of ways. A great blessing as well. I have grown a lot as a person and I know it will benefit me throughout my life, and is something I look forward to sharing with our children. I thought I would share just a few of the things I have gained, personally, from this experience.
- I have learned that I am VERY fortunate to live in this great country, there are so many who are less fortunate than we are. We shouldn't take that freedom for granted.
- Attitude is everything, and it affects everyone. This experience was positive for us, mainly because Andy and I tried to look at all the blessings we received. Our resolve to think positive not only made our experience sweeter, but it made it easier on our family as well.
- Prayers are Answered. There is not much I can add to this, except that I know this statement to be true. Time and time again.
- I need to be more compassionate and more patient.
- I need to use my time more wisely!
- Clear communication is so important. Being away from your spouse or loved one is very difficult and would be even harder if we didn't communicate properly.
- Lastly, I learned to rely completely on the Lord. So many things are not in my control, but yet I would rather He be the one in charge anyway.
Maybe some of you, who have experienced similar situations, can share some of the things you have learned. I would like that. Welcome Home Andy. WE LOVE YOU!
