In 2004 my son Gabriel cut his waist length hair and joined the Army. I cried at the bus station as he rode away in the Greyhound bud. Memories of not so long ago when we said good-bye to a young friend as he departed for boot camp only to return a few weeks later in a casket escorted by my husband haunted me. But Gabe had inherited his father's sense of duty and was firm in his resolve.
I knew where his journey would take him, to the badlands of Iraq. And again I held my breath as icy fear gripped my heart. He would return for a second tour, losing several friends along the way. I cried in the dark hours of the night so as not to alarm the others, but my fears were never really calmed until today.
Today he is released from his commitment, having served bravely and honorably. And we impatiently await his return to his hometown and family. To all my friends who have been there with us through this trying time, those who shared my fears, and lightened my heart with their prayers and well wishes, I thank you from the bottom of my weary but grateful heart.
He's coming home. Amen!
Jody 'Dorn'~
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15 comments:
Oh, congratulations! As a mother, I cannot imagine what you've been through...
But I KNOW you're relieved and happy and *ecstatic* that he's coming home. :-)
That is awesome Jo!
Hug that boy and tell him thank you for his service.
Wonderful! Having had a son in the Army for several years, I know your joy. Tell him thanks.
Dorn, you got me through my son's first desert tour by your posts about Gabe's second. You put into words the lonely, unreasoning fear that I couldn't have ever expressed myself. You have been (and remain) a blessing to me and many, many others. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Katherine ~ PAM, David - Germany
Hug that Soldier for me.
Thanks Gabe for all that you have done!
Salute!
I am so happy for you! I remember when he went in (way back when I first started reading your journal). You can finally sleep peacefully at night. Welcome home Gabe and Thank you!
Jody, I am happy for you and Gabe and his family.
Tell him I said thanks for his service, Bill
After I read the other comments it is obvious I was not orginal but I was sincere.
I am so happy to know he's back for good. (good gravy, I'm all relieved and teary, myself....)
::hug hug hug::
Thank God he's on his way home! Thank you and him for his dedicated service to our country! As an Army Mom, with a kid in Afghanistan, I am breathing a sigh of relief for you! Blessings! Lisa
Halleluia! Wonderful news! Does that mean the grandompas are returning as well?! Even better!
Does this mean I can stop holding my breath?
Our best wishes for Gabes homecoming! You always do the most wonderful videos, sadly, ive been having trouble getting it to play, drats.
this is such WONDERFUL news!!! I am so happy for your family Jody.
Gabe, my family & I will never be able to thank you and your comrades for what they have done for us....thank you a million times over.
michele Coomer
Kentucky
OH MY GOSH....I REMEMBER WHEN HE LEFT!!!
I am so glad he's coming home safe and sound. Please give him a big THANK YOU kiss from me!!
((hugs))
Jeanne
I am so happy for you! Please give him a hug for me and tell him Thank You!
Enjoy having him home!
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