I have had a wonderful Christmas this year. It has been several years since I have felt so happy and peaceful inside. The past two years were difficult on my family.
Christmas 2006 – we had just buried my Dad a few months back….
Christmas 2007…my son had been in Iraq for 5 weeks facing 13 months of deployment…
Christmas 2008…my Mom spent Christmas Eve with us and slept over, we had a houseful for dinner and gifts, and awaited Andrew’s arrival. It was as special as waiting for Santa Claus to come!
He arrived Christmas morning, I heard his old car pull in the driveway, squealed and ran to the door. I opened it, as he brought packages out and once I got my arms around him wept like a child. I felt so badly, I did not want to do this but my soul needed to let it go. And I did…let go…13 months of fear.
He kept asking if I was ok, all the while I kept crying and apologizing. I told him he had no idea how happy I was that he was out of Iraq and home on U.S. soil…once I “got myself together” we snapped this photo…sorry for the pj’s and sad look….
We had breakfast and opened gifts, then headed to my sister’s were we joined my siblings and their families, and Ian and Allison were also there…
I was grateful to Ian’s girlfriend Krystal who was able to get the boy’s to have their pictures taken over and over again. The boy’s have issues with their Mom who loves to take pictures and scrapbook, but I think they are getting close to realizing how they will treasure them one day.
It was wonderful to watch Andrew interact with his cousins, siblings, aunt’s and uncles and tease his precious Grandma. My greatest gift of all was having my son home, even if it is for a little while he is in Michigan and no longer fighting a war so far away.
nancy,
God Bless you and your family. I'm so happy you had your son in your arms once more. Your son ROCKS!
What a wonderful Christmas for you. Keep the faith!
Shirley
p.s. I love your blog
Nancy,
What a wonderful Christmas present to have your son home with you again! Your story reminded me of those Hallmark commercials that always make me cry! Please tell your son that I am grateful that he gave so much of himself for our country. I know how much these young men have to sacrifice.
God bless you and your family!
Lori
I'm so glad for you that your son is save home again! I hope you and your family have a great 2009!
This must have been your best Christmas ever!
All the best for 2009!
I'm so glad for the gf who got the pics, too. You're right, they WILL be glad to have those pictures sometime, even if they're grumpy about posing now. Yay for your best present ever, being with your kids on Christmas :)
I can so feel your joy…what a blessed Christmas you celebrated. I, too, wept for you and your glorious reunion…Fantastic and beautiful family…long may you reign!
Nancy, don't feel guilty about crying — you earned every single one of those tears. (I was getting teary just reading your post:)
I am so, so, so glad your son is home safe and sound and that your Christmas was such a joyful occasion.
Glad to see the photo's of your son AT HOME! Many blessings to you and your family Nancy!
Well isnt that the BEST news!! It must have been like a scene from a movie. And you even look glamorous in pj's! More thoughtful not sad…
You know I've often thought of you and Andrew- so pleased you had the best Christmas present you could wish for.
Nancy, I'm so glad you had a wonderful Christmas! I hope you have a great break from school, too!
Kristin
Now THAT's a homecoming! So thrilled to hear he's home and you had such a lovely Christmas day :)
Nancy, how wonderful for you and your family to have Andrew back on US soil. And to have hm home for Christmas is so special. Congratulations!
Nancy,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to your lovely family…God Bless you! May 2009 bring your family health, happiness and joy!
Hey Nancy, you just made me cry! In a nice way..I am so happy for you! Just wanted to wish you all a wonderful New year! Lana xxx
Oooooooh Nancy!! I am soooo over the moon for you that you finally got your family close and all together again and could share such a wonderful time.
The photographs are beautiful and the story of Andrew's arrival had me sobbing with you… it has been a long time for you and I'm sure he appreciated the love that has followed his every move from you while he was away.
You obviously have such a great devotion to your family Nancy and it touches my heart to see your joy return :D
hugs
Chris xx
YAY!!!! That's the best news I've heard all day!!!
Nancy,
It is so great to see Andrew home safe and sound. I hope your holiday was wonderful. Happy New Year!
Nancy – It's so good to see pics of Andrew back at home! I'm glad he's done with his tour and back on US soil also! I'm sure you had a Merry Christmas! Marva
What a fabulous Christmas! Definitely one to remember! :-)