I'm Home!

Well, after 6 weeks I returned home yesterday. Being away from home is not fun but coming home is a great feeling. One that cannot be recreated. Your stomach turns but in a good way and when the plane lands you become giddy with excitement.

(a cold day I missed while away)

There is nothing like the curious smile from your son who seems to be trying to figure out if you're really there or not. Oh, and the big hugs a 2 year old gives you and the giggle he has as you play with him...well, there is nothing like it in the world.

Dogs are also fantastic. They barked when they saw me, ran around in circles, whined, and jumped up on me. Even big old Bentley tried to jump up on me. It's weird that an animal can be so excited to see a human being. (By the way, did you know this is the longest in 8 years that I have gone without touching a dog? Weird, eh?)

And nothing beats the pleasant smirk, firm handshake and pat on the back from your wife. It is priceless. But also, Heidi blew up some red/white/red balloons and streamers all over the apartment with some of my favorite candy spread all over the counter and table. It made me feel good. I'm a lucky dude.

(Heidi after West Side Story-I was away so she went to a play)

But I'm home for now I'm home and a little sad that I'll have to leave again later this year. I'm really sad that one day I might have to leave my family for a year or more. Even more sad that so many soldiers are away from their families at this time and some left their families never to see them again. At this time I'm fortunate.