Welcome Home, Bryan!

March 11, 2010 - Our hell is finally over.

Bryan is home on American soil. Safe and with his family. One year, one month and one day after Jack was born, he finally has his daddy by his side.

I drove to Atlanta the eve of the 10th, stayed with Matt & Ann (thank you, again!!) and picked of Bryan at Hartsfield-Jackson airport the following morning. Bryan grabbed a seat on an R&R flight from Kuwait, so like his R&R in October, I waited on the top of the escalators with my heart pounding, short of breath, to witness my husband's tour to finally be over.

The sense of relief is almost overwhelming. We still have a long road ahead of us - but it's a positive road. Just a lot of getting to know each other again and getting used to routines and such. But - lucky for us, we're all quick learners.

In the back of my head, however, I keep feeling like I have to give him back in two weeks - I think it's because I didn't pick him up at Ft. Stewart. There was no ceremony, no banners, no pictures - just a long, tight hug and a few tears.

I'll wake up from my dream on the 25th and realize he's here to stay.