Matt called shortly after he was scheduled to fly home to say that he had to get back off the plane due to a mechanical issue. I was beside myself! Already a bundle of nerves and so anxious to see him, I took the kids for an evening walk (around their usual bedtime) to try and relax. Matt called a few more times to say he was still waiting at the airport to get on a plane. Meanwhile, the kids and I got back home and they were getting pretty tired, so I put them to bed. I told them that I wasn't sure if Daddy was coming home that evening afterall and they were of course sad. His flight was delayed three times until he finally boarded shortly before 10 PM his time. He called me and said he was getting ready to take off about 10 minutes after I put the kids to bed. SO EXCITING! He's on his way!
I quickly loaded the van with signs we had made to welcome him home, a balloon tied to the stroller, snacks to keeps the kids entertained, and pinwheels to play with at the airport. Then, I woke them back up and told them that Daddy would, in fact, be home that night it was time to go get him! We got in the van and headed to the airport. It was like the night before Christmas, the night before vacation, and the night before a child's birthday all rolled into one. I can't remember a time in my life when I was more excited. Natalie declared that this was an answer to prayer (see part two) and that she couldn't wait to hug Daddy. Colton asked if Daddy was really coming home. I told him "Absolutely!" Then Colton asked if he would stay a whole week. I told him that he would be staying for good! He then declared, "I can't believe it." Addy had no idea why on earth I woke her up from sleeping and put her in the van and why her brother and sister and I were so excited. She clutched her beloved plush cow and fell back asleep in her carseat.
After a fairly short drive, we arrived at the airport, parked and unloaded the van, and headed inside. At this point, my heart was starting to beat faster and faster and I checked his flight tracker (again) and we only had 20 minutes to wait. We got our signs out, took a quick bathroom break, and then waited. Pretty soon, his plane landed and pulled into the gate. I lifted the kids up one by one and pointed out his plane. They were getting VERY excited at this point and Colton asked me repeatedly, "Are you sure Daddy is inside that plane?" He could hardly believe it.
A few minutes later, people began filing off the plane. Lots of them. But none of them Matt. So we waited. And waited. For what seemed like forever. Bystanders saw our signs and asked if the soldier on board was ours. I said yes and then tried not to cry tears of joy knowing I would see him any second. A very kind woman offered to take pictures with my iphone, so I handed her my phone and kept waiting. And then it happened. I saw him!!!
To be continued...
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