It is so good to have my son home from Iraq. As a family we were at the airport to greet him and to welcome him and his comrades home. Eager faces filled the airport hanger while the arrival of the soldiers was anticipated. Though only a few moments wait, the seconds ticked by with agonizing slowness. Finally their plane landed and taxied towards the hanger. The families all bunched together inside the bay doors anxious to see their loved ones disembarking the aircraft. Then out of the darkness (it was night) came the line of soldiers and a shout of joy erupted from the crowd. The crowd parted in the center forming an isle and as each soldier entered the isle they were greeted warmly by loved ones and taken to their personal group of loved ones. The silent embraces were heartfelt and tears of joy moistened the eye.
My son stepped first to his wife and their embrace was a joy to behold. Then his brothers and I were greeted with tight hugs. There is no word to describe the relief and joy a mother feels upon the return of a son from war. I am so grateful to have my son home. However even in my moment of joy I was painfully aware of those whose sons and daughters did not come home. My heart goes out to the parents of the fallen soldier and I have compassion for them for I understand the void they feel. A void which they will always feel. It is comparable to the feeling I had when I watched my deceased sons best friend graduate from college. There are no adequate words to describe such a feeling. I am grateful that my sons unit were all able to return safely.
The families with their returned soldier mingled with friends and then gradually the hanger began to empty. Some groups went to preplanned homecoming parties and to enjoy cake and ice cream and jolly moments. Others hugged each other a goodbye again, a sacrifice so soon after a passionate greeting, allowing a young couple to have time to themselves.
Now that our National Guard warriors are home their lives can get back to normal and to greeting the future. I hope that they each may have a good future free of war.