Welcome Home Jake!

We recently headed over to the lovely town of 29 Palms to welcome home my younger Marine brother from Iraq.

After arriving at our hotel, we rested, played in the pool, and prepared to see our Jake. Danny couldn't come, as he had a beach trip with the church and then was leaving the next day at 5am for a 3 day conference. After dinner we headed to the base for the arrival of our heroes.

Christian playing with his Nana

Christian kept 'Tana Nana VERY busy while we waited. She'd carry him over to where my dad and I were planted on the ground, and as soon as she set him down he would take off running in the opposite direction. At one point my dad and I laughed as we saw her chasing him across a football field. I'm not sure who was more pooped by the end of the night!

Nope, my dad hasn't changed much at all

We had been initially given an arrival time of 6/6:30pm, that got pushed back and changed a few times. By the time the Marines actually got onto the field to see their families it was 11:30pm. Let's just say ALL of the kiddos in attendance were awfully ready for bed.

A little boy who fought sleeping with all his might!

When the buses finally pulled up to the field, the energy in the air was palpable. I stood on a bench to catch a glimpse of my kid brother, which is no easy task when most of the fellas are similar height / weight and all wearing the same garb. Watching the Marines trickle through the gate to meet their babies, children, wives and families was almost more than I could bear. Finally I spotted Jake, and called to him just as my dad wrapped his arms around the young soldier.

To say I didn't cry when I was able to hug him would be a lie. I am so very thankful he came home safe to us. Jake is a different man. He is a soldier; a hero, and I am more than proud of him. God bless our servicemen and women.