HE’S HOME!!!!
and…breath.
so he’s been home for a couple weeks, but we have just been enjoying each other and adjusting (and dealing with some other really big news that i will share soon!) i have been trying to gather my thoughts on what i could possible write to express my feelings about this, and i have to be honest i am struggling. it was just such an indescribable feeling to have him back with us. what stands out the most is how instantly relieved i felt. i am a fairly intense person, and it seemed to me that everyday that went by was pretty wild, so things were always pretty high strung! it was amazing though, as soon as ryan came home it was like i could instantly relax. this all is pretty raw, and pretty special, but i really wanted to share these photos and videos. (i only had my phone that day, so things are a bit grainy, but you’ll get the gist.)
here’s how the day went. first off, i dropped the girls off at school. then me, baby paisley, and a couple fire fighters went to the airport to pick up ryan. these photos are all so blurry because we were moving so fast!!!
yes…that weird blurry mass heading towards ryan is me!
here’s the reunion part 1 and reunion part 2 if you dare…it’s a tear jerker!
then, i went and picked up the girls from school and we headed to the beach for a treasure hunt. i had been preparing them for a few days (here’s the video of discovering the map part 1 and part 2) they were really excited! when we got to the beach they started their big search all around our favorite beach. (search 1,search 2, search 3) and which eventually lead them to a really great treasure…daddy!
then we headed home. of course, without surprise, the first thing the girls asked was if daddy could push them on the swings. it was as if life was just the way it was!
and so…he’s home…HE’S HOME!!!
to everyone…EVERYONE who has prayed for us, and encouraged us…i truly can not express how much you mean to me. it was your prayers, sweet words, and kind thoughts that got me through one day at a time!
to ryan, i am proud to call you my man! as always you certainly don’t surprise me. with your sense of duty, your crazy sneaky smarts, your effortless integrity, and your hunble loyalty to god and country…i always have known and still know that you have it in you, i am just honored to get to be a part of this journey with you! i love you babe!
I am so very happy for you! How exciting! I want to thank him, you and your families for sacrificing all that you have for us. It truly is amazing. I still remember being at a Scrapbook Expo when one of your first lines came out and they were teaching classes…. LOVED the paper- yellow and blue and we made cards for you for encouragement because he was going to be leaving soon… I am so glad for you and your family… I can’t wait to hear what exciting news you have to share but I will be patient… I am a follower and would be honored if you would check out my blog at http://acreativejourneywithmelissa@blogspot.com
with much love and admiration
You made me cry Heidi….Thank God your man is safe home…..I’m in Australia but feel your joy about a husband coming home….Thank you so much for sharing your joy with us….and congratulations to you for your big news!!
Warmest regards
Kathie
xoxo
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo!!!!!
p.s. I am calling YOU today!!!!!
I am so happy for you guys! Love the pics. Enjoy life Heidi & Ryan – you deserve it!
I’m in tears! What special memories for your family!!
~a.
I am SO happy for you and your family. Tell Ryan ‘thanks’ for his service! LC
Just found your blog via Stephanie Ackerman’s blog and have so loved the visit with you. Your story brought back so many memories of us waiting for my father to arrive home from Vietnam, so many times and so many years ago. He is gone from us now, but today all those memories came back as if it were yesterday. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I can’t wait to have a few minutes to discover all that I have been missing here with you. Nancy in So Cal
Prayers answered! Thank you Jesus!
Congratulations! My son, Zach, leaves the 1st week of December to Afghanistan. There is hope!
Yay for you!!! I’m so glad that you have Ryan back with you & once again your family unit is whole.
Hey little partner, been waiting for this post, what a sweet post! I am so grateful that your family is back together again. It’s been a long 6 months, but what a blessing to see you altogether, I LOVE IT!!! Love you forever, mom
As a former Military Mom I so understand all your feelings. I feel so very honored to have found your blog today through Stephanie. Hugs to you and your family. It’s time to breathe again!
I am so happy that your family is once again whole. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the sacrifices that your husband (+ you and the girls) have made for the good of our country. I humbly say, Thank you.
Heidi, just wanted to say that your story is wonderful. I loved all the happiness that showed through your words and pictures. Yeah, your hubby is home!
Heidi… soooo very happy for you and your family. Glad to see your soldier made it home safe and sound. Tell him THANK YOU!! and welcome home from this small family in North Georgia!!!
Heidi, I am soooo happy for your family. I’ve been praying for his safe return and for the wellness of your family. Relax and ENJOY !!
OH Heidi!!! I am so excited for your family–this is FABULOUS news! THANKS to your husband for serving for our freedom–and I pray that God would bless your family and your sacrifices! Your video brought happy tears!! So excited for you!!!
Ryan, thank you for your service. A grateful nation will never forget. My family will never forget your bravery or willingness to go in harm’s way. We are all so proud of you who serve in our military! I’m so glad you home safely; your family needs you with them now.
i love you mom!
thanks to everyone for all the kind words and sweet prayers! i really felt your silent support through all this! SO GLAD HE IS HOME!!!