On April 12, 2012 The Hubs returned home after 7 LOOOONG months in Sangin Afghanistan. He had to go through Alaska, Russia, and then arrived in Afghanistan. He remained in the U.S. for a day until he was able to fly to a base here in CA. It took all day for him to get to us from AK. He finally arrived in the evening, about 9pm. We didn't see the guys right when they arrived. We had to wait for them to check their weapons into the armory. That took a good 2 hrs almost. The moment finally came when the buses came around the corner! Words cannot describe what that felt like. It was amazing. Everyone was clapping and filled with anticipation. Couldn't believe the moment was here that we'd finally get to see what we've missed for 7 months. Once the buses stopped in front of us the boys started to pour out of them. Instantaneously I started seeing people reunited with their loved ones. It was such a site to see. Some guys didn't have people there at all to welcome them home, some had more than their wife and kids. I did not see the Hubs right away. It started to feel like forever. I was looking, and looking, and you guessed it, looking. I was starting to think, he's looking for his pack. I was holding D (T was asleep in the stroller) and the moment I looked back to my left, The Hubs was walking toward us and had his smile across his face. Man had I missed that smile. I couldn't help but run up to him and hug him. It was the best feeling to actually be able to feel him. I remember taking a deep breath in threw my nose just so I could smell him. Let's just say he smelt like Afghanistan. :] Our whole garage smelt like Afghanistan for a good week. Anyway, we made it home pretty late and we all crashed. I slept better than I had the whole time he was gone. Don't take advantage of the time you have with your spouse. I missed the warm body next to me asleep, his laugh, his smile. The one with his eyes. I missed his things, just strewn about the house, I missed hearing the garage when he'd arrive home from work and meeting him at the door, I missed being able to read his text messages throughout the day, I missed kissing him, I missed him holding my hand in the car, I missed his banter, I missed his sense of humor, I missed his spirit, but most of all, I missed the interaction of everyday life. We had an emptiness in our home. We had a lack of family. I missed the love and the boys needed their Dad. I did my best but I know he brings to the table things I cannot. My favorite thing today is just people watching. I watch my boys interact with one another. I can't get enough of that laughter. <3
Waiting in the truck for a little bit. It was freezing that night!
The view of everyone waiting from afar.
Waiting and waiting... I was holding D, and he was passed out! Couldn't get pics of him. :(
THE BUSES COMING TOWARDS US! YAY!
A pretty freakin' cool pic!
