Coming Home
...my wife to be and witnessing my children coming into this world. A tear had come to my eye as the entire plane erupts into a loud and thunderous cheer. The palms of my hands are cold and sweaty. Butterflies race through my twisted stomach. The day had finally arrived. The bus ride to the welcome center would be the longest five-mile ride of my life. The cool, crisp air blows in through the open windows. What a refreshing smell, just as I remembered. I began to remember the last time I had seen my family before leaving. It was a very sad and depressing day. It was cold and snowy that early morning as I said good-bye to my family. It was unknown at that time if I would make it back. Everyone was crying as the emotions stirred. I can only imagine what was going through my family’s minds. All that was now behind me as we arrived at the welcome center. The outside of the welcome center was all decked out with store bought and home made signs welcoming home their loved ones. As I depart the bus, I can hear the loud cheering from inside the building. What an exhilarating and uplifting sound. The butterflies begin to fly again as my palms get cold and clammy. Minutes later, the doors open. There are so many joyous and grateful people watching and cheering us as we march into our positions. The whole time I was searching for my beloved family. The excitement was excruciating. All this time and the moment was finally here. The noise was deafening. I could not contain myself as my family leapt into my waiting arms. We were all crying as we reunited, never to be separated again. They had grown so much. Kristen was now as tall as me, developing...