My son-in-law is finally home from Iraq after 14 mos of deployment. The soldiers arrived back at thier unit in Kalamazoo, MI after bus rides from the airport. There was a big hoop-la with the governor from Mich. shaking hands with the crowd, giving speeches, etc. Fortunately ceremonies were short and we were able to leave to come back home.
He was still in DCU's (desert combat uniform) and we had to make a stop at a computer store on the way home. People were coming up to him and thanking him. When we were back in the parking lot trying to get babies in car seats, a car went by, backed up, parked and a man and his young son (maybe 10-12) came over, shook Nathan's hand and thanked him. He then told his son to shake Nathan's hand and thank him. That reminded me of how my dad showed me how to respect the military ...teach by example.
All this time we thought Nathan was safe but he was smart enough not to let anyone of us know when he was getting shot at. One day I had asked my daughter if Nathan would go out on the streets of Bagdad. She told me that if she found out that he did, she would shoot him herself.
They are a happy family again and he is getting to know his kids. He came back just at the right time because his youngest is 8.5 months old, almost walking and I have nic named him ATV... all terrain vehicle. Nothing stops him from crawling, climbing, reaching.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and support and lets not forget those that are still over there helping to keep the USA and other countries free from dictatorships, brutality, and the general evil bullies of this world.
[ May 09, 2004, 11:15 PM: Message edited by: Laura Butler ]
Posted by Jackie B (Member # 186) on :
Laura - that must be the best Mother's Day gift of all. Thank God he is safe and home now. Bomba-Dear
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
I'm very happy to hear your son-in-law is safe at home and in one piece. It must be a joyous time for your daughter and family.
Posted by dave parr (Member # 3868) on :
Thank You Nathan!
Thanks for the update Laura, glad he's back home.
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
Okay, you did it...you made me cry. Welcome home Nathan.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
I'm so happy for you! Ditto, on a great Mother's Day gift. Bless your family, and we will continue to pray for others that have to endure hardship and suffering. Thanks for your courage, Nathan.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
Thats great news Laura. I hope he enjoy's all the newspapers from around the country that you collected. I was concerned when you mentioned a death in the family on another thread. My condolences go out to your family on that regard, but also I am grateful to learn that your son came home from the war. Thanks Nathan!
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
Thank God he's back, that is good news!
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
That's great! I can see you are very proud of him. You have right to be...
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
Doug, I'm glad that you mentioned the papers as I had totally forgot about them. I can't wait to show him.
AS some of you know my husband is a pilot. Aerial chart are to a pilot as road maps are to a driver. When we had some time iwth Nathan, he told my husband that he had something for him in his packs. When he got a chance he unpacked new aerial charts of Iraq and a big one of Bagdad. That was so cool.
[ May 09, 2004, 11:13 PM: Message edited by: Laura Butler ]
Posted by Rovelle W. Gratz (Member # 4404) on :
Thank you from a grateful nation. You are all appreciated.
Posted by Santo (Member # 411) on :
Great News, indeed! We thank all the returning solders and pray for the safety of their brothers yet to return.
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
Laura I am SO VERY HAPPY he is back safely. Ever since I sent you the newspaper page he and your family were people I thought about in this war, since I don't know anyone myself who is there. I am so very grateful he made it back - I pray for all the troops - and for them coming home now.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Laura..I am happy for you that your son in law has returned safely!!!
I hope you have a GREAT welcome home celebration for him.
Posted by Wayne Berry (Member # 1327) on :
My Wife and I are so very glad for you & your family. We would also like to say thank you. Thank you to your Son-in-Law for his service & thank you for your families sacrifice.
Wayne
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Laura,
Excellent news! Please thank him for his service to our country, helping to deliver the gift of freedom and human rights to other oppressed countries, and for being a courageous warrior against worldwide terrorism. He, like all military personel, is a hero to me and his efforts are much appreciated. Welcome home.
Posted by Laura Butler (Member # 1830) on :
I apppreciate those that realize the family also has to make a sacrifice. My daughter had to make even more of a sacifice than the average family. Her dream and goal her whole life was to make the 2004 Olympics in 3 Day eventing. She has trained with Olympic riders but had to give up her training when her husband wasn't around to watch the kids while she went and trained.
[ May 10, 2004, 12:22 PM: Message edited by: Barb. Shortreed ]
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
That's good news, Laura! Congratulations to your son-in-law and the rest of the family. Sometimes we forget about the sacrifices families have to make in our behalf. We are grateful for their efforts, though, and wish him luck assimilating back in to life here at home.
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
I'm glad he's home too Laura....in one piece and ALIVE....your story has a happy ending! Love...Jill
Posted by Dan Hanson (Member # 4000) on :
Laura, I am glad your son-in-law is home. Your daughter has her husband and the kids have their daddy home, safe and sound - what a mother's day!
Nathan, Thank you for your service. It thrills me to know another soldier is safe on American soil. May God bless you for your willingness to serve.
My cousin is still serving in Iraq, so please pray for those who remain in Iraq and all over the world.
[ May 11, 2004, 06:12 PM: Message edited by: Dan Hanson ]
Posted by Alan Ackerson (Member # 3224) on :
Great News Laura! I'm very happy for you and your family.
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I'm very happy for you and your family.