Today was a hard day for me. Today was a great day for me! Today I was welcoming home over 150 soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division here at Fort Hood, and none of them would be my husband. My wait continues. I dropped my children off at the babysitter so I could focus 110% on the families of the day. I grabbed a bagel and turned the car towards the parade field where they would all be gathering for the 11am ceremony, and that is when the flood gates opened. Just a glimpse of the American flags waving in the wind along the parade field and the tears started coming fast. I thought to myself "Geez, Karyn! Pull yourself together girl, you have pictures to take!" I literally prayed to God for the strength to get through the morning, to calm my nerves, to steady my lens, and dry my darn eyes. I turned the radio on and my favorite Christian song (yes, Julie, I was rocking out to KLOVE again...) "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath began to play. If that isn't a sign I don't know what is. Here are just the opening lines:
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
It was the boost I needed, and here is a sneak peek of the day's work.
Despite the DJ and hundreds of people, some of us napped through most of the excitement...
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the buses with your loved ones are here!"
Yellow, it's the new pink!
Soldiers lining up in formation before they march across Cameron Field to their loved ones.
She rested her head on his shoulder for an entire tv interview, and it's probably still there tonight!
Hardly a dry eye on the field and this beautiful soldier is all smiles!
If anyone is happier to have their husband home, it is a new mother!
To see the Kodak Album from this redeployment ceremony, CLICK HERE!
The Final Countdown Continues
3 comments:
Oh, Karyn, those are gorgeous! The clarity and soft light, despite the high noon time frame...just magnificent work! I got choked up at the final (FINAL!!!!) 3d ACR one today, too. Your day is coming.
I can't even see to write this,with the tears. You certainly captured the moments. Stunning pictures,I can't pick a favorite.I'm so tuned into your emotions,we can be basket cases together. Thanks for sharing,you're as wonderful as your pictures. I'm glad we were there for the first homecoming so we have a little perspective on the process.
What a great set of images, Karyn! You've captured such heartfelt emotions. The one of the baby with the yellow ribbon is so precious. I don't know if I'd be able to take photos through the tears, but I'm sure, like you, I'd die trying. Just writing about it brings tears to my eyes.
I hope your day is as joyous as the one you have captured here! :)
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