Where were you on that January day in 2003? I can remember exactly where I was, what I was doing and most likely what I was thinking just moments before you told me of your deployment.

My heart stopped beating just for a moment. That day the world stopped. Many days I traveled to Ft. Stewart to see you for one last chance. Spending what little time we had to be together.

Then came the day, the phone call home. You were on the bus and you called to say good-bye for what might be the last time I would hear your voice. I held my head high, we talked with confidence, assuring each other we would be okay and then when you left it seemed like the world stopped turning just for a moment again. I cried, I screamed, I hit my knees and I prayed. At times I was quiet but feeling like a piece of my heart was lost. Words cannot express what happened in my heart that day. It took a few days but I gathered myself and pulled it together.

I made new friends, went to meeting and picnics with other Army family members. I shared ideas with other members of how to make things easier for you and the unit. We fund-raised for homecoming, we talked about the future, but most of all we pulled together and shared happy moments of time spent with our soldier.

The days passed, birthday, anniversaries and holidays. We sent Christmas trees and decorations, anything to bring a piece of home to you. It seems like just yesterday.

Today your finally home and I want more than anything to let you know how much you are loved and how much your country and community respect and appreciate your duty to our country. I have come to realize how much more precious life truly is because for this time I feared losing you.

The world seems so much bright today, my heart so much lighter and my mind is clear because you are finally home. I missed you so much and I love you.

To My Hero, Welcome Home.
A Soldier's Mother, Mom