ANTICIPATION.... its driving me NUTS!

I have no idea where Gabe is.  The last I heard he had left for Kuwait on the 14th.  What I DO know is that for the first time since he's been over there I have not felt a tightness in my chest as I see the ever climbing number of American casualties in the Gulf, no sense of dread as I click on the link that transforms the numbers into names. 

The Oompas have tied yellow ribbons haphazardly but lovingly around the yard.  The task began with a fuss over who got the roll of wide ribbon, but Mama laid the guilt trip on thick this time and soon they were laughing and singing as they tied the ribbons in the old Spruce. 

And Daddy and I hover like expectant parents over the phone.  Dickidoo, who is a sound sleeper, heard the phone early this morning even before it rang.  Nothing major, but no Gabe.  My cell phone spent the night under my pillow, just as it did the entire first month he was deployed.

I hate that I have to go in to work today.  I hate that I have to be there until 6pm.  I hate to have to tell my boss that I'm leaving if I get a call from the airport, because you know I will in a heart beat!  There is nothing that I can sell to anybody today that is more important than Gabe's homecoming.

Little Zachary and his mom leave tonight with his other Grandmother at the wheel.  God Speed, Kayle.  Drive safely Miss Connie, and thank you for doing this for Gabe and for us.