Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder... Sneak Peek!

I'm no stranger to that old saying "Absence makes the heart grow fonder..." I have a new saying that goes something like this: "Absence makes the heart grow fonder, sandstorms in Iraq make the heart swell to fill ones chest, airplane mechanical failure and delay after delay will make said heart constrict and tighten until you cannot bare it any longer and the only thing that keeps you getting up in the morning is your children!"

I know first hand how Heather and her family were feeling when they received call after call from their stranded soldier/husband/daddy saying that the plane was delayed. But wonderful things come to those who wait, and wait, and wait, and I was blessed to wait with Heather, her four children and extended family on the eve of that much anticipated arrival. Of course, it was raining cats and dogs here in Fort Hood for days so the traditional parade field arrival I am used to was SWAMPED! The ceremony was held indoors which made my job even trickier than before. A healthy wad of duct tape and a gallon Ziploc bag had my camera and I out in the dreary and freezing cold rain for the arrival and then it was a sprint inside to locate my family in waiting. We all stood hovering around the door Mike was supposed to come in and wouldn't you know, he surprised us all by coming in the door behind us!! I'm still grinning ear to ear for Heather and I hope these images will have you smiling too! Welcome Home Mike, God Bless You for your service and God Bless your family for your sacrifices and hardships during this long deployment. I can't wait to meet you all again for your family session! Enjoy your sneak peek!