Memory Box

I knew Clayton would need something to hold items from his time in the Army and deployment to Afghanistan. I wanted it to be special and asked our dear friend Dr. Chad Issinghoff to craft a box for us. And what a beautiful box he designed and presented to us.

It will hold the things Clayton will look back on in his older years. Thank you, Chad and Debbie, for your friendship, love and support.

Retiring the ribbon

We've been on the road again. Clayton's leave began on Monday so Barry and I drove out to Ft. Campbell to pick him up since his truck is here at home. We headed south for a quick trip to see family and arrived back home today.

On May 7, 2010 Barry and I hung our yellow ribbon when Clayton deployed. Today Clayton removed it. We arrived home to find our home draped with yellow, red, white and blue ribbons. On the tree a new ribbon had been added.

We have more photos to share!

Also, not long after arriving I received a call that my dad, Daniel Stafford, and fallen and broke his hip. Please lift him in prayer. Thank you. His brother is helping with this situation with me being so far away.

Less & More

During Clayton's deployment you know how excited I was to see his face in a video chat or to hear from him in email or facebook messaging after a long silence.

Here are the last ones that I saved:

I'm glad to be moving to less of those [he's still a long drive away] and to more of these:

Small Things...Memories

We're looking through all the small things that will become memories. There are some special items Clayton received that I want to share on this blog before it is printed into a book. Look for those in the days to come.

The Penguin

He also returned home. A little dirty, but he made it back, along with the army bear Grandma Wall sent over.

In case you missed it...

The Story behind the Penguin
Called to serve :)
Preparing for deployment
Penguin Appearance
At the Palace

Retiring the flag tie

Mother's day was a good day. I missed having my Mama to celebrate and honor but rejoiced in the safe return of Clayton to American soil.

It was special in another way too. Barry officially retired the flag tie and attended church without one. Or so he thought. A few people in our Sunday School dug through their ties and presented him with some options. Old options at that! He wore all of them to worship service where Pastor Doug used him as an illustration in the closing of his sermon.

Thank you, Lord, for friends and laughter, to help celebrate the safe return of our son. The son that you protected while he was in harms way. We saw your hand at work from the very beginning with his attachment to the 101st and his placement in Afghanistan. And, the limited combat and protection during attacks.

Thank you to all that prayed for Clayton. I can only imagine the number of times our Lord heard his name this past year.

Please continue to pray for him. He is home but the war is not over. We have a 2013 date of when he will deploy again. I'm hoping to leave that concern with the Lord. Pray for our world, country, leaders and troops.

And for you, Clayton:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."   Joshua 1:9

We are so proud of you, your courage, sacrifice and service. We hope that you know just how much you are loved.

Lots of Hugs

We have a lot of catching up to do!

Normal?

Life is beginning to feel normal again. I think. Perhaps this is our new normal. Clayton went through a week of reintegration and will soon take a couple of weeks leave. We'll travel a few days to visit family and back home for him to have some "down time" at home where I can spoil him, just a little.

He's settled into his barracks at Ft. Campbell. While the accomodations are small they are private and have a [very] close bathroom. Something he didn't have in Afghanistan. The area is well designed with two people sharing a common space of bathroom and kitchenette while having private bedrooms. The size compares to his college dorm which had to of been the smallest single person room in the building :)

A different view

The 101st had their own photographer at the ceremony. These were posted on their facebook page. It is so nice to have photos to go with the wonderful memory of Clayton's safe return.

 A General greeted this flight on the tarmac.

The Reunion

Finally! The wait is over.

Thanks to Bill Larson of clarksvilleonline.com for permission to use his photos.

Thanks to Bill Larson of clarksvilleonline.com for permission to use his photos.



Clayton is 4th from left - front row.
Thanks to Bill Larson of clarksvilleonline.com for permission to use his photos.

The Wait

Waiting at the hangar for the plane to arrive.

Thanks to Bill Larson of clarksvilleonline.com for permission to use his photos.



Thanks to Bill Larson of clarksvilleonline.com for permission to use his photos.



In the news

Thank you to the media for being a part of our reunion to welcome home our hero.

Article 1 on Clayton's return ceremony on Clarksvilleonline.com

Article 2 is a blog post shared as our story on Clarkesvilleonline.com

Thank you, Bill Larson, for the photos and sharing our story.

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Here is the video from News Channel 5


Just a quick glimpse of me trying not to cry [1:08 mark]



Clayton far right [1:38 mark]


Watch the video here:

In the hangar

There were so many banners inside the hangar. Here are those that represent Clayton.

The Return

These photos will quickly lead you through Clayton's return.