Lou's Homecoming! - Original Post 27 October 2006

We were so excited when October 20 finally arrived! Lou would be home today! I anxiously went about my morning routine, getting my shirt orders done, cleaning house, and shopping for our Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday.
Derek called and said he would be at the airport at 2:55 p.m. My thought was great! I have time to run to the store, etc. He later called and said he would possibly be in at 2:00 on a stand by flight. Now, I had to get everything done with 1 hour less to do it in! So I hurriedly went about my tasks.
I gathered my parents and my daughter for his welcoming home committee. We were all so eager and excited to see him! At 1:55 I am entering the exit for the airport. Thought no problem, by the time they deplane-perfect! My cell phone rang-I hear this "where are you". I was so upset and happy at the same time. The plane was early and he got off the plane without me there! I had a banner and everything!
Long story short, my parents found my son and I parked the van. Tracy and I run to the terminal-banner in tow. I am so worried about this banner. We hold the banner open as we enter the terminal. I am scanning the crowd at the baggage carousel-looking for him. I suddenly hear a "so, what ya doing?" I turned and there he was! Looking so trim and so fit. I basicall threw the banner at Tracy and made a run for him-I hugged him and cried. Then I cried and I hugged him. I didn't expect to react so hard. He kept saying mom, I am here, i am safe. Mom, I am okay. I finally let go, grabbed the banner so we could then hold it open. I kept saying see, we have a banner. At this point he is laughing. I looked up-another soldier was there with his family. I looked at him and said-see-this banner is for you too. He smiled and thanked me. I then found out he was a Captain. I can't tell one from the other and don't care. I was so excited to see my son.
Our trip home was uneventful. Lou had a little problem with the traffic on the interstate. He said whoa, this is different. He was cool though and we made it home.
On Sunday, October 24, we had our Thanksgiving Dinner. We had at least 70 in attendance. I was so proud and so honored that everyone came for Derek. I will upload the few pictures that I have.
After attending PFC Seig's funeral in Indiana last month, I decided I wanted to invite the Patriot Guard (those local to us) to Derek's dinner to honor them and to honor my son. They were very humble and did not want to accept because they want nothing in return for what they do. In the end, the PG attended, but only after I agreed that they could make it a mission for them. So, we had approximately 25 or so PG in attendance. They came to our home and escorted us to the hall where we had the dinner. We that week had made about 100 yellow ribbons which we put on light poles and trees along our route. The PG had contacted our Police Department who then stopped traffic for us all to pass. Derek was completely shocked and honored. We managed to keep this a secret from him until he heard the rumbling of the bikes.
We also invited the Fire and Police Department to our dinner and were honored to have 5 fire personnel dine with us. We renewed many friendships that day and have made many more friends because of that day. We had neighbors out on their porches taking pictures of us as we made our way down the street.
So, things have been pretty crazy around here, just trying to keep up. We have derek for one more week and I don't know how I am going to send him back. It was so hard the first time, and I kept my cool, I just don't know how I am going to do it again.
We had more injured this week from the company. I pray for each and every one of them and their families. I haven't told Lou of their injuries yet. I didn't want to upset him while he was home. I will break the news to him before he returns though. i don't want him to be surprised when he goes back.
Tonight Derek and his sister are going out. They have gathered a few friends for a night on the town. I told him to have fun, and to be safe. I know he will. He is a good son.
Derek and his dad got to spend a few days this week together. I just stayed out of the way, leaving them to do their guy stuff. Next week we will have our time. I call it our date! He loves that one-believe me!
I will close now by saying that I think of each and every one of our soldiers daily. I start each day with my soldier bear. He sings-God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood. This brings back the memories of why we live in such a great nation-because of soldiers like our boysand our girls. They have gone before us and will continue after us. They keep us safe by night and day. God Bless our Soldiers.