Dear Clayton: April 2011

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

He's Coming Home

We're not allowed to post specific dates but I can tell you that Clayton is coming home, to the United States, this week. Once he leaves it takes about 5 days to make the trip. We are so excited!

Barry and I plan to be at his base when he arrives. We get to watch outside the hangar as they deplane and have their return ceremony. The only thing I have promised him for that day is that I won't wear lipstick!

We won't get much time with him but I'm actually okay with that. He'll be taking leave the end of May and spending a couple of weeks with us.

I will have lots of photos to share soon.

Thank you for your love and prayers during this journey.

Barry & Gale

Monday, April 18, 2011

Communication

Since this blog will be printed into a book later...I wanted to save these facebook snippets so I am posting them here. Technology has played a huge role in our communication with Clayton while he has been deployed. I cannot imagine being a mother of a soldier in prior wars.

I saw that Clayton posted on his facebook wall that he is in the single digit days until he leaves, followed by "Wooo".

Can you imagine our anxiety and anticipation level? I don't remember the last time I was this excited about something. And Barry is looking forward to wearing a different tie to church. Or perhaps not wearing a tie. He has worn the flag tie every Sunday since Clayton deployed.

Keep praying for us. Counting down the days! Looking forward to boots on the ground!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Thank you!

Thank you, Mary Jane, for the lovely gifts. We are so blessed to have many caring people in our lives. We are less than 2 weeks away from Clayton leaving Afghanistan to return home to the United States. Each day that brings us closer I'm afraid I will wake up from a dream. Can we really have been apart a year?

Thank you, Lord, for your shield of protection. I can look back and see you answering the prayer of so many, especially Mom & Dad, to keep our son safe.

Please accept these as a gift - in gratitude from us in recognition of all the service men and women give up for and contribute to the well-being of all Americans, as well as those they are aiding in the course of their duties.

Please pray for us in the coming weeks. I am so anxious these final days - just as in the beginning.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Kitty Love

Sopie sends her love. Ha ha!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Weekend Update

Hi Clayton,

We gathered at Grandma's this weekend. We got to meet Kyle & Tashina's baby, Cooper. He's so cute. Uncle Gary, Uncle Alan & Aunt Vickie and Kyle, Tashina & Cooper were there along with me, Dad and Grandma. Uncle Delbert and Aunt Carole came over later and had supper with us. Here are a few photos.

Dad and I are practicing...for grandchildren!
Cooper peed on me right after this photo was taken.

We are getting much closer to you returning home. There just isn't enough words to tell you how excited we are to see you in a few weeks. Keep safe and remember we love you beyond words.

Much love,
Mom & Dad

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Extra Prayers Requested

Please say an extra prayer for Clayton and the troops at his FOB. They were attacked again. I don't always post when this happens but today this one scared me, more so than other times.

We are about 3 weeks away from his departure to come home and this kind of fear makes me very anxious.