Welcome home, Clay

Simply stated… I am happy to have another deployment complete. And, I’m grateful for my faith, family and friends that made this journey with us again.

 

Upon returning to Ft. Campbell I knew what to expect. Even so, the emotions were overwhelming at times.

Rain followed us East and once again I prayed for good weather so we could be outside of the hangar to watch the plane arrive and our soldier with “boots on the ground”. We had clear skies when the plane arrived (and a beautiful sunset).

This homecoming was different than the one in 2011 for Clay had his own family awaiting his return. I knew I would have to wait my turn for one of those big hugs and kisses and this Nana was okay with that.

As the plane approached my heart was filled with love, pride and relief. We waited and watched for our soldier to approach the hangar. With over 250 soldiers on board it felt like forever until we were able to connect with the one face we’d been waiting so long to see. How can you love your child any more than you did yesterday? Well, you can!

Last night my heart prayed for the mother of Clay’s replacement. I understand the journey before her and will pray for her in the days ahead. When your children enlist, we enlist, by default.

I’d like to tell you we are through with these trying times, but I can’t. Clay re-enlisted during his deployment and the future will always hold the possibility of another sacrifice of self and family.

For now, another deployment behind us! We can go back to normal, right? 

Some photos from our reunion ~

Click on the label "Penguin" to read his history with our family.

Photo by 1st Brigade Combat Team ~ Facebook

Summer visit

We drove to Ft. Campbell a few weeks before Clay returned so the kids could have a summer vacation with Nana and PaPa.

We returned them just in time for school to start and to welcome Clay home. We love our munchkins!

Christmas at Ft. Campbell

Barry and I traveled to Ft. Campbell for Christmas. I spent most of it in the bed sick. I was sad I didn't get to spend much time with the kids. I do believe they had a good Christmas.

For the 4 legged family member...Enya

Tiffany has this tree that will stay up until Clay comes home.

Family time before goodbye

Photo 1: Games and family time the week before deployment. Clay's grandma Wall went to Ft. Campbell with us to say goodbye.

Photo 2: A Thanksgiving Christmas feast for Clayton prepared by his wife, Tiffany, her Mom and Grandmother. Clayton and their dog Enya.

Photo 3: Saying goodbye.

A lot has happened...

... in the year since Clayton returned from Afghanistan.

I had good intentions to share about some of the things from his return and will do so before long since I (still) intend to have this blog printed into book form. I also think I needed a break from the daily worry that came with the deployment and just enjoyed the knowledge of his safe return the best I could.

Upon his return we took Clayton to Georgia to visit his grandparents. The day of our departure to the Midwest began a spiral of health issues for my Daddy that seemed to demand most of my time until recently.

So... until I make time to share the other things I will tell you that since I last posted Clayton has married and is preparing for another deployment to Afghanistan this fall. With his marriage Barry and I became Nana and PaPa. Can I tell you that it is the most wonderful feeling...besides being a Mom!

Selfishly I pray that God has other plans about this second deployment. If it is His will I know the Lord will go before Clayton and remain at his side.

More soon!

Barry, Clayton Tiffany
Kurtis, Kieli, Gale
Christmas 2011