Yesterday was a glorious day for my friend, Lidia Martinez and her family...Anthony arrived home after a second deployment from Iraq. I met Lidia the day (or maybe I should say days, since there were several unsuccessful attempts to leave) the Advon team deployed for Iraq. Chris, Nick and Anthony all left together. I didn't know anyone else standing at the fence watching the guys walk away. A kind lady offered me an American flag to wave as the boys were walking away. After the busses pulled away, we introduced ourselves to each other and discovered we had a lot in common...both of us just had part of our hearts get on a bus and head to Iraq, we were both from Texas, we both believed that God was going to bring them back safely, and we both were sad and knew that we had fifteen months of tough days.We have all heard of the bond that our Soldiers make with one another when they serve...Band of Brothers. Well, I can honestly say that the same thing happens with Moms. During the fifteen month deployment, I have survived in part because of my "Band of Mothers". We have been there for one another through the good times and the bad. We have shared our lives...our worries, fears, disappointments, excitements, proudness...our good days and our bad days.
Just as the Soldiers will have a lifetime bond, so do the Moms. Bernadette and Lidia are two special Moms that are a big part of my Band of Mothers and will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you ladies for our special bond!
Even though Chris was not on the flight yesterday, my day started out with butterflies in my stomach. I was so excited that Lidia's journey was coming to an end. I even had the alarm set on my phone so I could be a part of the moment he was to land. Even though we were thousands of miles apart, I felt like I was a part of the homecoming...my heart was with them.
Chris and Nick still have a little more time to go, but for many, the journey has ended. Welcome home, Anthony and all others. Thank you doesn't even begin to say home much you are appreciated!
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3 comments:
Will you be coming to Georgia when Chris gets back? I dont know when he is supposed to leave. My son leaves the 14th. My family and I will be there. Let me know if we will be there at the same time. I would like to meet the person that has kept me informed.
Lou Costello
Mableton, Ga
Nam vet
loouu@bellsouth.net
G-son is set to return soon!!! We are on pins and needles waiting for the phone call "he's in the air". Plan to drive to Benning to be there when he arrives. Am hoping to meet some of the people I have been talking to on the internet but i'm sure everybody will be busy with their soldiers. Welcome home guys & gals!!!!!
I have enjoyed visiting your site. It is one I check everyday and have also given site url out to a number of people who have soldiers in Iraq.
Hope Chris gets to come home soon!
Joanne
Dottie thank you so much for the post. I had tears of joy, pride and happiness that you would include me in your post. You were the FIRST person I called when we got to Fort Benning. I so wished that Chris could have been on that flight but it won't be much longer before he is home. It is an honor and privilege to call you my friend and yes, we will have to meet in San Antonio to celebrate together!
Love,
Lidia PAM of Anthony-home again!
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