He was supposed to be landing at an airport that just so happens to be near us; (we got lucky about his arrival location) just about this time. It worked out that he was scheduled for an overnight layover and leaving for NM tomorrow in the late morning. Since I'm blogging now that obviously didn't happen.
Traveling to and from any deployed location doesn't usually go smoothly. The only constant is that things are unpredictable.
You learn not to expect their arrival until 10 minutes before the flight lands; or at the very least until you confirm their plane has left the very last location before heading stateside.
You know not to get your hopes up that they'll arrive when their original flight itinerary indicates they will.
You hope for the best and expect the worst...but even so, if the worst happens you can't help but be disappointed. The constant changes and uncertainty of when they will actually, finally, arrive is frustrating.
Joe left Afghanistan on Tuesday and I thought I'd be welcoming him "home" tonight, but that's been delayed. What's a few more days when it's already been a year, right?
Then he was supposed to get in at 0400 Sat morning, what a nice time for an airport reunion.
That was again pushed back to 830 Sat night; which wasn't too bad because it would mean he would have that overnight layover.
What's that? Oh, he still hasn't even left his 2nd location (with 2 more stops to go)? Forget about that 830 showtime now.
New estimated arrival is another oh-dark-thirty time.
The 830pm time was much more preferable.
Now if he arrives in the early morning hours it'll give him enough time to catch that next day's flight he was scheduled for - meaning we would have a few hours at the airport, at best.
It's better than nothing, and I'm hoping we'll get at least that.
If not, I'll just have to be content knowing he's safely back in the states.
In the meantime I'll continue to pray for safe travels.
Oh my heart goes out to you all. I remember my Mom going through that (Dad was a lifer) and I went through that a few times myself - although dear hubby was never gone for a year - We weren't married when he was in Vietnam (I was "jail bait" back then!) Thank the good Lord he is as you say, back home in the states and safe. Have a wonderful reunion whenever he arrives.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for safe travels and time together for you guys :)
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what you must be going through! I'll be praying for a long visit, plus protection when he takes off again.
ReplyDeleteHow frustrating for you. Rest assured, you will see him soon. Unlike you, I can not believe a year is up already. Seems like he was just home at his 1/2 way point. Wow! Glad he's one step closer to home. I be the kids are super excited that daddy is coming home!
ReplyDeletePraying along side you!!!! I look forward to the reunion picturtes of your whole family!
ReplyDeletePraying with you - I hope Joe has safe travels and you get some bit of time with him before he heads to Holloman.
ReplyDeleteI hope a delay works out in your favour soon! Like a delay in your city overnight, two nights, how 'bout a week?
ReplyDeleteBest to you and Joe and the kids!
oh, how frustrating. I hope it works out that you get at least a little time.
ReplyDeleteglad he's back here, regardless.
(((Hugs))) Praying for safe travels and that you at least have a little time together.
ReplyDeleteOh! Happy Day! He's home safe in the U.S. though and he'll be home and in your arms any time now. I know it's hard to be patient!
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Terri
It absolutely astounds me - the sacrifices military families make. I can never say thank you enough.
ReplyDeleteYou will be in my prayers - that it all works out in the best possible way.
Have a wonderful reunion.
Ugh. I'm so sorry. Personally, not to step on any toes or cause a problem, but I think the military owes it's families much, much more.
ReplyDeleteSorry.
Sorry to hear the reunion didn't happen as planned Michelle. I too will be praying for safe travels!
ReplyDeletewelcome home joe
ReplyDeleteso sorry that all this happened. I hope you will be able to see him and spend time with him soon. hugs
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you, too, Michelle. I wish the military would put an emphasis on family time after deployment. My goodness, you've all given a year of your lives apart (and probably more than once!) I'll be praying for you and him.
ReplyDeleteAww man, praying you can see him!!
ReplyDeleteOh darn! So close..... It seems so exciting that Joe is coming Home- in any way shape or form but you guys have done an amazing job holding down the fort!
ReplyDeleteHope the reunion is SOON!
ReplyDeletehope he is home soon in the meantime I got an award for u come and get it
ReplyDeleteoh what a bummer.
ReplyDeletehugs.
We're pulling for you!!!
ReplyDeleteThat sucks. I hope you get a few hours minimum.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you did not get to see him, but I m SO glad he's back in the States!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, my prayers are with you. I'm so happy he's back in the states. He will be with you soon. So precious to be with one another again.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, my friend.
Jasmine
Windmills and Tulips
I'm praying for a safe return home.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you and Joe. I hope he makes it "home" soon.
ReplyDeleteThank the good Lord he is as you say, back home in the states and safe. Have a wonderful reunion whenever he arrives.
ReplyDeleteWork from home India