Sunday, November 16, 2008

They're Home...


On Nov. 11th we packed our car and loaded up the family to head to Ft. Campbell. The men my son served with were on their way home from Iraq and I was finally going to get to meet and hug these men who have become so important in my life.

As we drove on Veteran's Day I thought about how lucky the people in this country are to have the men and women of our military. Between it being Veterans day and where we were heading I had no choice but to see things from a perspective most Americans fail to look at. We drove without fear of IEDs. There were no check points. We could stop along the way and not fear snipers or suicide bombers. When we were hungry we had a multitude of options. And I knew without a doubt that these freedoms and this security are due fully to the fact we have such an outstanding group of people who made the choice to wear the uniform and defend these things.

I realized also.. we have WON in Iraq. Yes we are still there. Yes there is still some fighting. But it is safer in Iraq for American troops than civilians in Chicago these days. The foundation of what we set out to do is set. Our goals met and the lives of the Iraq people will be better. They are now tasting freedom. And anyone that wants to argue and diminish that victory and take that from these men and my son can try. But facts are facts. No one but these men and their leaders can claim that victory.

As I watched the plane filled with America's finest land my heart leap and broke all in the same moment. I knew that from my son's Company he would be the only one not walking off that plane. But in a way few will ever comprehend, the last part of my son did get off that plane. His spirit is in each of them and with them he came home too.

The one thing that stands out the most from this trip is as I stood standing and talking to one of the men of my son's platoon I felt a tap on my shoulder. As I turned, I saw them all. They had gathered together to find me. There was a line of men who had smiles and hugs for me. I was introduced to family members as their "Army Mom". They still have no idea what a gift they are to me. There will be more meetings an more stories to share. There will be laughter and tears. But once again I saw the strength and selflessness of these men. My heroes.. my soldier family.

14 comments:

Flag Gazer said...

Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into this amazing group of men. Your observations are heart warming. Thank you for sharing.

Wandafay said...

Awesome! Thank you Knottie!

Holger Awakens said...

Knottie,

I hope you realize how much this meant for these young men to see you at their Homecoming.

Great photo!

What a bunch of true heroes and that includes you, Maam.

Buck said...

I dropped in from Cynthia's place (Gazing at the Flag). Thanks so much for this post and for your son's service and sacrifice. My heart goes out to you, Knottie, and I stand in awe of your love and support for these fine men.

Annie said...

Knottie, thank you for sharing this and for honoring the memory of your son and what he died protecting. You rock.

Unknown said...

Thank you Knottie for supporting these guys. You have my deep appreciation for your son and family's sacrifice. You really are someone to admire.

Toni at www.bearcreekledger.com

~Michelle said...

Knottie, I can only imagine the love and heartbreak that you had to endear on that day, and every day. Thank you for supporting them, and I am so glad that they were there to support you too.

Anonymous said...

There are not enough ways to say thank you. We're honored to have you all as part of our extended family.

God bless....

Wild Phil said...

Hi Knottie,

All of these fine soldiers are Blessed by having a wonderful Army Mom like you.

Sarge Charlie said...

thanks, people like you make the soldiers job easier, you are a great American. Folks like me will never forget what you and you son did for us.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much, for sharing this with all of us.
Bless you, and Bless your 'soldier family'....you are a true hero yourself, in my opinion.

brityank said...

A beautiful lady with a beautiful escort -- God bless you and them, and keep you all safe with His grace. Thank you for sharing your courageous story, both of your Son and yourself.

joyce said...

Wow. You are amazing. Thank you.

Flag Gazer said...

VA Joe blog has linked to this post at [url]http://www.vajoe.com/blog/2008/11/19/faces-of-freedom-a-mom-and-her-guys/[/url]