Saturday, August 23, 2008

WELCOME HOME JUSTIN

We arrived at the Allstate Arena this morning to wait for the Marines.

We waited

... and waited
...and waited
and then finally they marched in!!!! WOW!!
They stood there as their commander gave a very short speech. As it happened Justin was almost directly in front of us. He didn't realize it at first and you could see his eyes roaming the arena looking and looking. You could tell when he finally spotted Dayna... his face just lit up! And then the command was given... DISMISSED.



First Embrace

Let me look at you.

Together again.

Zak and Caycee didn't go with us; they stayed at home with Nana. When we got there everyone went inside before Justin came in. Dayna was holding Zak, Justin opened the door and the look on Zak's face was priceless. (Sarah has an awesome picture on her blog that captures the moment perfectly.) Dayna said "who's that?" and he softly said "Dada." She set him down and he ran right to Justin. They embraced and then Zak backed up a bit and just looked.
What a day! It was soooo good to see him, to hug him, and to see his family all together again. Thank you Lord for bringing my boy home safe.

4 comments:

Karen said...

...I'm crying.....Welcome home Justin!

Becca said...

I too am crying. How touching. What a hero. You all must be so happy and proud.

Anonymous said...

I am thrilled for you and your family. And I look forward to the return of my own Marine.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful to have Justin home again. I can't imagine how it feels.

Payton said "thanks for serving our country" & "I'm glad he's home safe."
I whole heartedly agree.

Love, Peg