We thought that Tyrone would get here on Friday, the 1st, from the information that he had been given the last time that I had talked to him, which was the 3oth. But then I didn't hear from him....and didn't hear from him. I was truly beside myself, jumping everytime the phone rang, trying to keep the boys from moving even one thing in my pristine house (impossible task!), watching the clock...what a feeling of limbo!
Friday came and went and I had no news from Tyrone at all, and I was completely at a loss. I didn't know where Tyrone was, what he was doing, what country he was in, or when I would see him. So, Sat. morning came. I called Mom and we talked for a little while, and since I didn't want to leave the house so that I could be ready to go whenever he called, she said that she would take the boys to the park for me. I was just about to start getting them ready when the phone rang. This was at about 8 in the morning....it was my husband!! He was in Atlanta, due to arrive in Savannah at 10:30!!
Needless to say, I couldn't believe it! I called Mom, and I'm surprised that she understood anything that I said b/c I'm positive I was shrill with excitement. But, understand me she did, b/c she got ready and came over to watch all 3 of the kids for me. I got ready and then literally paced until it was time to go.
I got to the airport and found parking (whoo hooo!) I couldn't go to the gate, of course, so I was waiting just my side of the security checkpoint. I really was physically incapable of sitting down at this point. I was one huge dressed up ball of excitement and nerves! Then, I saw a family doing about the same thing I was, and one lady was holding yellow ribbon balloons, and a very little girl was wildy waving 2 flags (adorable!) I spoke with them, mostly with the balloon lady. It was her son coming home, and she was good company to be happy and watching with!
So, FINALLY people from that flight started coming through. But no Tyrone. I didn't know where he was! Turns out, he was just last off :) A lady came up to me and asked me if where we were was the only place that passengers come out at. I said yes, and then at that moment, I spotted Tyrone! I must have made some kind of excited noise, b/c she looked at me like I had absolutely lost it. I pointed and (again, shrilly, I'm afraid) said "That's MY SOLDIER!!!"
About 2 seconds later, Tyrone spotted me, too, and he ran the rest of the way. We couldn't do anything but hold each other for at least 4 or 5 minutes. Then, he looked at me and said "Let's get out of here!" We held hands and were walking on air out of there...and were completely surprised when everyone there (easily over 100 people) started clapping for MY hero! Sometimes I am so darn proud of Americans! It was a special moment! On our way out, Tyrone also got many "Thank you"s and "Welcome home, soldier"s.
We left, and made our way straight home, where the kids had NO clue that he was coming. We walked in the door, and you would have thought someone had stunned them! They both just stared for a moment, and then Kaleb yelled "Daddy!" I'm sure you can imagine the commotion that ensued, it was the best! The kids were THRILLED to see him.
Shiloh went straight to her daddy and very obviously thought he was just the best thing since sliced bread. He had her giggling hysterically within 10 min. of holding her. Kaleb and Gabe wanted to show their daddy EVERYTHING. They took him all over the house and made him look at everything in the house, in their toy boxes, in the laundry room, on the back porch (you get the idea!!)
It was a truly wonderful day. The following pics are from when we had just walked in the door, surprising the boys.
"DADDY?!"
smiles. lots of smiles.
Talking with Shiloh
Showing Daddy our countdown calendar
Mom hugging her favorite child. Yes, you read that right. She says he's her favorite. ;)
Holding his princess
Still Daddy's "bean" (plus, a cool Gabe, complete with shades!)
