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Friday, January 29, 2010

The Reunion That Wasn't

I should be welcoming Joe back "home" right about now. And by "home" I just mean to the states; because although he's coming back, he's not coming back here. He needs to report back to Holloman, and has to go directly there.

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.

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28 comments:

Ms. Kathleen said...

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.

Tina said...

I'm praying for safe travels and time together for you guys :)

Cindy said...

I can't imagine what you must be going through! I'll be praying for a long visit, plus protection when he takes off again.

Unknown said...

How 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!

Laura said...

Praying along side you!!!! I look forward to the reunion picturtes of your whole family!

Nichole Fisher said...

Praying with you - I hope Joe has safe travels and you get some bit of time with him before he heads to Holloman.

Carol N. said...

I hope a delay works out in your favour soon! Like a delay in your city overnight, two nights, how 'bout a week?

Best to you and Joe and the kids!

Cate said...

oh, how frustrating. I hope it works out that you get at least a little time.

glad he's back here, regardless.

Christina said...

(((Hugs))) Praying for safe travels and that you at least have a little time together.

Terri said...

Oh! 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!

God bless.
Terri

Robin said...

It absolutely astounds me - the sacrifices military families make. I can never say thank you enough.
You will be in my prayers - that it all works out in the best possible way.
Have a wonderful reunion.

Mom24 said...

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.

Sorry.

Kelly said...

Sorry to hear the reunion didn't happen as planned Michelle. I too will be praying for safe travels!

AZ Chapman said...

welcome home joe

Beverly said...

so sorry that all this happened. I hope you will be able to see him and spend time with him soon. hugs

Monica Crumley said...

My 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.

Bethany said...

Aww man, praying you can see him!!

Anonymous said...

Oh 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!

Joyfulness said...

Hope the reunion is SOON!

AZ Chapman said...

hope he is home soon in the meantime I got an award for u come and get it

chelle said...

oh what a bummer.
hugs.

The Girls' Mommy said...

We're pulling for you!!!

Mary said...

That sucks. I hope you get a few hours minimum.

FBF Rothkopf said...

I'm sorry you did not get to see him, but I m SO glad he's back in the States!

Far Above Rubies said...

Michelle, 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.

God bless you, my friend.

Jasmine
Windmills and Tulips

AZ Mommy said...

I'm praying for a safe return home.

Debbie said...

My prayers are with you and Joe. I hope he makes it "home" soon.

sanjeet said...

Thank the good Lord he is as you say, back home in the states and safe. Have a wonderful reunion whenever he arrives.

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