Thursday, September 29, 2011

Heaving a Big sigh of Relief

It's a good thing he came home early in the morning, 9:00 am. None of us got much sleep, including him. I spent the night tracking his flights on Flightaware.com. (pretty cool web site, btw)
The timing was wrong, wrong, wrong. He actually arrived about 20 minutes earlier. Again, a good thing I tracked the flights.
Some of his adoring fan base, waiting.......
The plane had already arrived, waiting, watching, looking, straining. TL made the comment that maybe this is what it is like on the other side, waiting for our loved ones to arrive, the anticipation and anxiety!
There he is!! My first thoughts were, "wow, he sure is handsome! And skinny!" He was carrying a fishing pole, of all things.
The hug from mom. I still get teary-eyed looking at this pic. I told him I was sorry I was crying-didn't want to embarrass him!
After lots of other hugs, he opened out his arms and gave a great big hug to his sister-in-law who he had never met. It was so cute!
Finally home, after 6 1/2 hours of traveling. Only 30 hours of sleep and very little food (due to nervous stomach) By the time we had finished the day, it ended up being about 42 hours of no sleep.

But he's back, he's carrying a wonderful spirit with him, and I'm going to soak it all up for a little while before the glow leaves....

And he informed me he hates ramen noodles now.
(see previous post)

5 comments:

Momza said...

THIS is the post I've been waiting for!!! Wonderful!

Reno said...

So great to have him home! (Even though I don't know him in real life.)

Suzie said...

As soon as I saw the hug picture I lost it. What a great shot.
So sweet!

(donations to the food drive perhaps?)

Unknown said...

Well done Elder...and Mom! So nice that he is home.

Joy For Your Journey said...

How fun!! Congratulations! I am sure you are loving having him home. And he is probably going a bit crazy without a companion, being busy all the time . . . It always seems to take a while to adjust back to civilian life.

I love all the pictures. Best wishes to you all!!