Oh! Happy! Day!
(Here are some "Mom Notes" to put in the record books so the thoughts and feelings don't get lost. I thought going to work would be a good distraction. I was wrong! I couldn't concentrate and felt terrible for not being able to focus and do a good job. I took care of the necessary items and left early. There were still some preparations that needed to be made. So, I went home and started working. Cleaning, cooking, making welcome home signs but mostly just cleaning. It was a good diversion from my excitement. And OH! was I excited. I was nervous too. Really nervous! I did not expect that. He had had 2 years of complete dedication to the service of the Lord and we were still living in the normal world with normal days and normal schedules that demand certain things from us. Any way...moving on. The excitement was building, I couldn't eat or should I said didn't want to. All I wanted to do was go and pick up my boy. I missed him for crying out loud. It felt like the day was dragging on forEVER. Finally, we were just about to load up and my cell phone rings with a number I do not know. But! I knew he was traveling so I answered it. Instant smile when I heard that voice. It was him! He said something to the effect of, "I have good news and bad news. The good news is...I am not in jail because I had a machete in my luggage. The bad news is...I missed my flight because I had a machete in my luggage." I called Carl and told him...he had already left work for the airport and was going to meet us there. More waiting. Finally....AGAIN....it was time to go. We were all very excited! I knew that Erik's good friend, Mason, was going to meet us at the airport with his Dad, Mike, who is like a father to Erik. We were surprised to see parents of another of Erik's friends who is on her mission. The Slaters!!! He had just come home from a business trip. He told his wife, Lisa, to park and come in and they waited with us. That was a fun surprise. We were happy to have them there. The moment finally arrived. He looked so good! It was a very emotional and happy reunion. The first words he said were foreign to me. He didn't even realize he wasn't speaking my language. Hahaha! We had a good laugh. And can I just say...BEST hug EVER! I posted on fb before I turned in for the night, "(insert happy sigh) I highly recommend days like today!" Even though it was filled with lots of different emotions it was all great. The total package of emotions and experiences made for an unforgettable day. I wouldn't change anything about it. AND...it is SO good to have him home. Really wish Josh could have been with us....we will save it for another day. A day that will be added to His story.)
